Traffic & Transportation

Our changing roads: 6 stories tracking how we get around in Boise area

Stories by Idaho Statesman journalists, with AI summarization

Idaho's roads are transforming in response to rapid growth and changing needs. On Boise’s 8th Street, major redevelopment projects include proposed six-story condominium buildings and pedestrian-friendly upgrades. In Southeast Boise, the Eckert Road Bridge was at risk of collapse, prompting emergency repairs and fast-tracked replacement plans.

New state policies now limit the Ada County Highway District’s ability to narrow streets for bike lanes, changing future street designs. Meanwhile, roadwork will expand Meridian Road for rising traffic, and busy corridors like Idaho 55 get critical upgrades, such as a new traffic signal and maintenance on historic Rainbow Bridge, to keep up with regional demand.

Crews demolished the historic 1903-built J.W. McLean House and Terraces in May 2024 to make way for “the first and only luxury brownstone enclave in the heart of Downtown Boise.” The development from Georgia-based CK Property Group, called Seventh & Franklin, calls for a two story building with a third-floor penthouse, balcony and pool, as shown at right in this south-facing rendering. It also includes two connected brownstone homes, each with a basement, two-car garage and two kitchens, one of which would be on the rooftop terrace.

NO. 1: ONE OF BOISE’S MOST FAMOUS AND POPULAR STREETS IS EVOLVING. ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHANGE?

Running from the Boise River, through the North End and into the Foothills, 8th Street is a pivotal piece of Boise. Real estate developers, churches and others have plans to soon remake the landscape. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger

ACHD crews close Eckert Road Bridge after a recent inspection cited “widespread structural decay,” according to an ACHD press release issued, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. The bridge spans the Boise River at Barber Park. By Darin Oswald

NO. 2: A POPULAR SE BOISE BRIDGE NEARLY COLLAPSED IN JANUARY. IT’S NOW REOPEN. WHAT TO KNOW

The Ada County Highway District declared an emergency after finding the popular Eckert Road Bridge could only support the weight of about one car. What’s next? | Published March 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger

Timing of the stop lights has been adjusted so pedestrians are crossing while all lanes are at a stop at the intersection of 11th and State Street near the YMCA. New signage alerts drivers turning left or right to yield to pedestrians. By Sarah A. Miller

NO. 3: NO LONGER CAN ACHD MAKE STREETS NARROWER FOR BIKE LANES. WHAT JUST HAPPENED

Little signed the bills despite public opposition that the bills could put children, seniors, those with disabilities and those who ride bikes at greater risk. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Nick Rosenberger

SH 69 aerial By Idaho Transportation Department

NO. 4: 5 MILES OF A BUSY MERIDIAN ROAD MAY BE WIDENED — AGAIN — AS TRAFFIC KEEPS RISING

You can have a say: Highway planners are seeking public input. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Rose Evans

Traffic backs up on the Highway 17, the Banks to Lowman Road on Monday afternoon while crews battle the Springs Fire about four miles east of Banks, ID. The road was closed between Banks and Crouch Tuesday afternoon as the fire moved closer to the road.

NO. 5: THIS BUSY IDAHO 55 TURNOFF IS GETTING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. HERE’S WHEN IT’S COMING

ITD said the new stoplight will “help mobility and safety at this historically busy summer SH-55 river access intersection.” | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Brizee

The Rainbow Bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River was built in 1933.

NO. 6: ROADWORK STARTS ON IDAHO’S HISTORIC RAINBOW BRIDGE LINKING BOISE, MCCALL

The summer maintenance project, which includes repairing expansion joints on the iconic arched bridge, is unrelated to plans to replace the 92-year-old span in Valley County. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kevin Fixler

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.