Road construction coming to downtown Boise. What drivers, pedestrians should know
Two major road improvement projects in downtown Boise are on track to begin this summer. Before they begin, the Ada County Highway District is asking for feedback.
The highway district says it will upgrade State Street between 2nd and 16th streets as well as 9th Street between State and Bannock streets. The work is expected to take a year.
The purpose is to replace aging roadways, increase safety and comfort, and add green stormwater treatment facilities. The upgrades cover pedestrian ramps, signals, curbs and intersections.
Accessible pedestrian signals and pedestrian push buttons will be installed at all intersections within the project boundaries. This means “walk” and “don’t walk” signs are also communicated through audible tones and vibrating surfaces.
Curb extensions are also planned so pedestrians don’t need to walk as far to cross the street.
The crossing at State and 14th streets is planned for a “Z” style so pedestrians and bikers cross the street in two stages. After reaching the concrete middle island, they’ll turn toward the direction of oncoming traffic while walking on the island toward the point where they can finish crossing.
Here are the locations of the improvements:
- State Street and 16th Street intersection
- State Street, 4th to 14th streets
- State Street, east of 4th Street to 2nd Street
- 9th Street, State to Bannock streets
More details are available on the Downtown State Street and 9th Street Reconstruction Projects page of ACHD’s website.
To provide input on the construction plans, a short survey is available online: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGJFBK2. The official comment period ends Monday, Feb. 21.
ACHD plans to complete construction in early summer 2023.
