ACHD declared emergency closure for Boise bridge last month. Here’s what they’re doing now
Work is expected to begin Monday on interim repairs to the Eckert Road Bridge, which was closed last month after a determination of widespread decay of many of the bridge’s pillars, according to a news release and previous Statesman reporting.
The Ada County Highway District declared an emergency closure after realizing the deterioration was greater than previously known, according to previous Statesman reporting. The bridge connects Harris Ranch to Interstate 84.
“The repair process will involve using steel plate channels to reinforce the bridge’s support piles. Specifically, two plates will be bolted together around each affected timber pile and then supported by a concrete base,” the news release said.
The repairs are expected to take four to eight weeks, the release said, but it depends on how long each pile’s reinforcement takes as well as spring flows. Ada County Highway District and Idaho Transportation Department crews will be working in the river.
“Working in the river poses unique challenges. To install concrete bases for the steel reinforcements, ACHD will need to divert a portion of the river,” the release said. “Work will end in time for spring runoff, at which point water levels will be too high to continue safely working.”
Last month, Ada County Highway District Director Ryan Head said the recommendation was a three-ton weight restriction for the bridge, according to previous Statesman reporting. At the time, the bridge remained open for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, the pedestrian and bicycle bridge will be closed during the repairs, the release said. The main bridge will also be closed to bicyclists and pedestrians.
This story was originally published February 15, 2025 at 12:17 PM.
