Eagle restricts Greenbelt parking along Eagle Road, citing crash risk

Drivers trying to access the Greenbelt from South Eagle Road will need to find another place to park.

As part of a new safety effort by the Idaho Transportation Department, the city of Eagle recently installed no-parking signs on the east side of Eagle Road between the Boise River and Island Woods Road.

City officials say roadside parking has created dangerous conditions along one of the area’s main traffic corridors, though some residents have pushed back online.

On March 27, the city and Eagle police announced in a video on social media that officers will soon begin issuing citations to vehicles parked along the stretch, where the speed limit is 55 mph.

“For the last several weeks, we have placed an emphasis on education,” Sgt. Justin Elliott said. “[We] are asking our citizens to continue to utilize the safer alternatives the city has provided.”

Standing alongside Mayor Brad Pike, Elliott encouraged residents and visitors to use designated parking, including a lot west of Eagle Road and access points at Pamela Baker Park and Reid Merrill Park.

Officials say the change is intended to prevent crashes, particularly when drivers back into traffic moving at highway speeds.

“This is the safety aspect that we’re concerned with,” Pike said. “People backing in and getting struck by a vehicle.”

The shoulder has been used heavily in the summer months by visitors seeking Greenbelt access, but not all residents agree with the restriction.

“There’s plenty of room for folks to back up and then merge into the road,” one commenter wrote on the city’s Facebook page. “You’re not backing directly into Eagle Road like they are suggesting.”