Idaho Transportation Department

Broadway Avenue (US 20/26) Bridge Replacement Project

Project Facts
Key Number: 11588
Project Number: A011(588)

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is replacing the existing bridge over the Boise River on Broadway Avenue (US 20/26), rebuilding and widening Broadway Avenue from University Drive to Myrtle Street and repaving Broadway Avenue from Myrtle Street to Front Street. The current bridge is over 50 years old and needs to be rebuilt.

This project is still in the early stages of design and public input is important. ITD is committed to working with the community to design the new bridge and rebuild it with minimal impacts to the public.

Project Background

Broadway Avenue is a gateway into Boise from I-84 and is one of Idaho’s busiest highways. The Broadway Bridge over the Boise River is surrounded by a vibrant community with Boise State University on the south and St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center on the north. Traffic across the Broadway Bridge is especially high during BSU football games and events in and near downtown Boise.

Design and safety standards for bridges have become much more stringent since the current bridge was built in 1956. The bridge is showing signs of wear that could become serious issues in future years. The Broadway Bridge was originally built in 1892. The new bridge will be the second time this structure has been replaced.

Another reason the Broadway Bridge needs to be replaced is because it is too narrow for the high volumes of cars, pedestrians and bicyclists that travel over the structure, particularly during local community and BSU events. On average, 24,500 cars travel across the Broadway Bridge each day along with many pedestrians and bicyclists.

The new bridge will have a 75-year design life to meet current and future community demands.

Project Description

The project will include:

Designing a new bridge and roadway improvements
Removing the existing bridge
Building a new bridge and completing roadway improvements
Conducting an environmental evaluation
Improving traffic flow and pedestrian/bicycle safety
Repaving Broadway Avenue between University Drive and Front Street
Improving the Greenbelt pathway in the project area

Replacing bridges is a complex, environmentally sensitive process. ITD will work to minimize the impacts to the Boise River, nearby historical/archeological sites and parks.

Schedule and Funding

Anticipated construction of the new Broadway Bridge will begin in late 2014/early 2015. The cost to design and build the Broadway Bridge and other roadway improvements will be approximately $16 million.

Public Involvement

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting a series of three design workshops for the bridge replacement project.

The first design workshop was held Thursday, Feb. 28, in Boise. The transportation department received valuable input from a variety of community members.
Click here to view the design workshop agenda, PowerPoint and summary.

The second design workshop was held on Thursday, May 2, in Boise. The transportation department received constructive feedback from a variety of community members.
Click here to view the design workshop agenda, PowerPoint and summary.

A community open house will be held this summer to present and gather input on final design options with the public.

Please continue to check this webpage for details.

Make Comments

The Idaho Transportation Department values your input. Submit written comments using one of the forms below or contact for more information.
•Email Us please include your name and address
•Download a comment form (word doc)

Contacts

Project Manager
Mark Campbell
mark.campbell@itd.idaho.gov
(208) 334-8946

ITD Public Involvement Coordinator
Adam Rush
adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov
(208) 334-8119

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.