Broadway Bridge project closes river, too

A section of the Boise River will be closed throughout demolition of the old Broadway Bridge, the Idaho Transportation Department announced Friday.

The closure in the bridge-replacement construction zone is needed in order to safely demolish and remove the existing bridge, according to a news release.

The area will remain closed "for several months" until the old bridge is demolished, according to the news release, and anyone who wants to float the river to Ann Morrison Park during the closure will need to exit the river at the West Parkcenter Bridge, ITF reports. Users can follow the greenbelt detour to enter the river west of the Friendship Bridge.

“Our goal is to complete the work that requires this closure as quickly as possible in order to reopen for summer recreationists,” said Daris Bruce, ITD resident engineer. “I cannot stress enough safety is ITD’s number one priority. I ask the community to respect the work zone and use the identified detour routes around the construction.”

Signs have been placed in Barber Park where users access the river and at the West Parkcenter Bridge.

Demolition is under way for the Broadway Bridge, which is more than 50 years old . The new bridge will include more lanes for traffic, wider sidewalks, bicycle lanes and improved access to the Greenbelt.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Broadway Bridge project closes river, too."