How is the traffic around the Boise area? (Nampa, Meridian: construction, live)

[Wellness]

Is it getting worst? Is it bearable? How are the local commutes?
How long would it typically take to drive in rush from Meridian to
downtown Boise?
Thank you.

[stingraynm]

In rush hour, about 25-35 minutes. 20 minutes otherwise.

[Lacerta]

I disagree. Going from Meridian to downtown Boise during morning rush hour, could take up to an hour, I would say 45 minutes average. Same going back to Meridian in the evening.

If you are going from Meridian to downtown Boise during evening rush hour, then yes, 20-30 minutes average, since you are going against the majority of traffic. And 20 minutes during non rush hour is realistic.

As for whether it is bearable, I've gotten used to it at this point. I have much more issue with the people that go 10 under the speed limit for no reason or STOP in an open lane of traffic to let someone turn out, when the light ahead is green, or other stupid stuff.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by Lacerta

I disagree. Going from Meridian to downtown Boise during morning rush hour, could take up to an hour, I would say 45 minutes average. Same going back to Meridian in the evening.

If you are going from Meridian to downtown Boise during evening rush hour, then yes, 20-30 minutes average, since you are going against the majority of traffic. And 20 minutes during non rush hour is realistic.

As for whether it is bearable, I've gotten used to it at this point. I have much more issue with the people that go 10 under the speed limit for no reason or STOP in an open lane of traffic to let someone turn out, when the light ahead is green, or other stupid stuff.

I could definitely see Overland, Fairview, Chinden, etc. taking an hour in rush hour. I-84 rush hour does indeed crawl, but unless there's an incident or construction it tends to flow pretty steadily compared to most metro freeways.

And yeah, idiots who have no consideration for the flow and its conventions really can turn an otherwise bearable delay into a very unsavory - often dangerous - experience. I thought the Idaho minivan and "Sunday driver" (named for driving every day like it's Sunday or they're on a scenic route) crowds were obnoxious until I moved to New Mexico, where side-by-side driving is treated almost like a pastime for an over-whelming number of people who never learned driving conventions. Nothing quite like being trapped 10 mph under in the left lane with some kid tailgating you, or getting trapped next to a semi mid-pass in the winter time.

Here's a great site I think you'll enjoy:

Left Lane Drivers Unite!

[Ellwood]

Originally Posted by Lacerta

or STOP in an open lane of traffic to let someone turn out, when the light ahead is green, or other stupid stuff.

We visit family in Boise every year and the traffic has become horrific. The majority of drivers are not polite and block you from turning even though they are sitting at a red light. Very surprised at the lack of courteous drivers.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by Ellwood

We visit family in Boise every year and the traffic has become horrific. The majority of drivers are not polite and block you from turning even though they are sitting at a red light. Very surprised at the lack of courteous drivers.

That is surprising. Places like Portland and Boise were usually reputable for considerate driving. I hope people are still signaling when they turn or change lanes? Crazy how rare that is anymore, considering its value to everyone involved.

Ever since I lost my telepathic abilities, signaling has been really important to me.

[Lacerta]

Originally Posted by stingraynm

That is surprising. Places like Portland and Boise were usually reputable for considerate driving. I hope people are still signaling when they turn or change lanes? Crazy how rare that is anymore, considering its value to everyone involved.

Ever since I lost my telepathic abilities, signaling has been really important to me.

ROFL

Yeah, I find that almost everyone will stop to let drivers out at a red light. That hasn't been an issue for me at all, I always get let in when changing lanes or let across when turning, but I use my signal. Very very rarely do I get blocked, and usually if I do, the person is on a cell phone not paying attention.

That's NOT what I'm talking about though. I'm talking about people who stop, mid mile, with no traffic in front of them, or moving traffic, to let someone turn out of a side street or parking lot. I've had people hit the brakes at 35 mph to a complete stop to let someone out. WTF is that about?

[jwest09]

Originally Posted by Wellness

Is it getting worst? Is it bearable? How are the local commutes?
How long would it typically take to drive in rush from Meridian to
downtown Boise?
Thank you.

Getting worse
Reasons: Traffic light intervals are set too slow.
Too many 2 lane roads, instead of 4 lanes.(bottlenecks)
Too many stop signs, instead of signals.
Very few services available, in the newer outlining residential areas, where people live. They have to commute farther to the busy streets for shopping and groceries, causing more traffic congestion.
Construction continues on I-84, (at a slow pace, and years behind)

[Syringaloid]

Originally Posted by Wellness

Is it getting worst? Is it bearable? How are the local commutes?
How long would it typically take to drive in rush from Meridian to
downtown Boise?
Thank you.

I would say it isn't getting worse or better. It seems the same to me know as it was a few years ago. I-84 is being expanded through the entire valley and adding new lanes in each direction which will help as far as the Mini Rush Hour on the interstate each day. The interstate between Meridian and Boise is already 4 lanes each way, the construction is after Meridian towards Nampa and between the East entrance of Boise to the Flying Wye.
It is bearable.
If you are driving in Rush hour from Meridian to Downtown Boise on I-84 via I-184 (the Connector) the drive time will be around 20 minutes unless there are accidents and lane closures. I-184 usually moves very smoothly. If you take surface streets such as Fairview Ave, Ustick Road, Overland, the commute in rush hour into downtown will a little longer because of slower speeds and traffic lights.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by Lacerta

ROFL

Yeah, I find that almost everyone will stop to let drivers out at a red light. That hasn't been an issue for me at all, I always get let in when changing lanes or let across when turning, but I use my signal. Very very rarely do I get blocked, and usually if I do, the person is on a cell phone not paying attention.

That's NOT what I'm talking about though. I'm talking about people who stop, mid mile, with no traffic in front of them, or moving traffic, to let someone turn out of a side street or parking lot. I've had people hit the brakes at 35 mph to a complete stop to let someone out. WTF is that about?

Wow... yeah, that's pretty "special". I think some people just get so hung up on courtesy that they forget what makes the courtesy appropriate. All I can figure on that. The convention of right-of-way was definitely established for the sake of predictability, which, once again, is very important to us atelepathic folks.

All the times I've seen something done that was that erratic, it was usually someone who very apparently did not have their wits/senses in tune before or after their worst display of erratic behavior. To do that for no reason other than courtesy is definitely a good example of tunnel-vision courtesy, since it's inconsiderate to everyone else who wanted to survive their drive.

In any case, something stupid definitely happened in that scenario.