Notice what a mess downtown Boise is right now? Here’s what’s happening with the roads
Downtown Boise motorists and cyclists have had a rough couple of months traversing the city, and this week things have gotten even more problematic.
A slew of road work has caused congestion headaches for commuters, parking issues, and a lack of pedestrian access and mobility throughout the city.
As we head into spring and summer, foot traffic and general activity increases downtown, and the Ada County Highway District is aware of that, spokesperson Rachel Bjornestad told the Idaho Statesman. She said the district works with traffic control companies and ACHD staff to create safe and efficient detours — of which there are plenty right now.
For many Idahoans, seeing a well-marked detour route doesn’t alleviate the pain of taking the long way around. And why are so many projects and closures taking place right now, and when will they end?
Here’s a rundown of current long-term construction projects for downtown Boise. You can also use ACHD’s interactive map to check out plans and road closures throughout Ada County.
Downtown road closures
10th Street - Front Street to Main Street
Closure timeline: Feb. 6-June 1
Reason: Closed as part of Capital City Development Corp. Linen Blocks project. The Linen Blocks is a historical area of downtown on Grove Street between 10th and 16th Streets. CCDC, the redevelopment and urban renewal agency for Boise, is making “large-scale improvements” to the area, such as adding trees and other plants, widening sidewalks and incorporating public art.
Tenth Street is closed because CCDC is upgrading storm drain facilities and water lines, installing fiber optic conduit and a conductor, and upgrading traffic signals along 10th, 11th and 13th streets. The agency is also installing concrete paving and sidewalks.
Grove Street - 10th Street to 12th Street
Closure timeline: Nov. 28, 2022-June 1
Reason: This is the same CCDC Linen Blocks project.
11th Street - Multiple sections and timelines
Grove Street to Main Street: Jan. 27-May 28
Main Street to Idaho Street: Jan. 27-June 1
Front Street to Grove Street: Jan. 27-June 30
Reason: All three closures are part of CCDC’s Rebuild 11th Street Blocks project. The project comprises roadway reconstruction and replacing Boise’s underground canal structures, which date to the 1950s. A protected bikeway from State Street to River Street also will be constructed.
11th Street and Hays Street intersection
Closure timeline: April 18-June 28
Reason: Water company Veolia is working on underground water lines.
Once Veolia is finished, ACHD will work on an improved pedestrian crossing with curb extensions and push buttons for crossing. This is part of ACHD’s 11th Street Bikeway project, which is projected to be completed in July.
12th Street and Hays Street intersection
Closure timeline: April 26-May 26
Reason: Same construction plan and project as the 11th and Hays Streets intersection.
13th Street - Myrtle Street to Front Street and Front to Grove Street
Closure timeline: April 10-28
Reason: Overhead and underground work related to relocating power and telecommunications infrastructure from alleyways to underground through 13th Street. The shutdown also will include water upgrades for the planned Broadstone Saratoga apartments.
Idaho Street - 11th Street to 12th Street
Closure timeline: April 17-28
Reason: Closed for a new commercial building that’s being constructed at the corner of 12th and Idaho streets. A fire hydrant, as well as water and fire services, all have to be relocated from the far side of the street closer to the new building.
Upcoming
9th Street - Idaho Street to Bannock Street
Closure timeline: Aug. 8-Oct. 24
Reason: Part of ACHD’s project to improve pavement conditions for pedestrians. The construction work will fill in sidewalk gaps, add curb extensions and pedestrian crossings, and install pedestrian crossing buttons and ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Why is all of this happening at once?
If you think it’s bad downtown right now, it could be worse. According to Bjornestad, ACHD makes an effort to limit simultaneous closures on parallel roads, and multiple contractors have been told to wait until there is an opening.
Bjornestad also said ACHD doesn’t have complete control over when certain proejcts and closures are allowed to take place.
“By Idaho Code, we cannot prevent utilities from doing work without sufficient reason,” Bjornestad said. “A lot of the utilities in downtown Boise are old and need repairs or replacement even without development. It is also not feasible for ACHD to limit the number of permits.”
She also noted that there can be issues with the weather and labor shortages, and other factors — such as canal irrigation schedules and supply chain issues — can affect or lengthen the time frame for a project.
