The 8th Street Improvement Project is a community-focused effort to make the area between Main and Bannock Streets in downtown Boise safer, more vibrant, and accessible for everyone. This initiative builds on recommendations from a 2022 report that explored how to improve accessibility and mobility on 8th Street while keeping it car-free. The goal is to create a vibrant public space that is safe, clean and supports our local businesses.
What are we trying to achieve?
- People-Friendly Spaces: Keep 8th Street car-free and prioritize walking, biking, and scootering.
- Accessibility for Everyone: Ensure the space is welcoming and usable for people of all abilities.
- Support Local Businesses: Enhance outdoor seating and patio areas while creating more public space.
- Activate Public Areas: Add green spaces, seating, and spots for events and art to create an engaging environment.
- Well-Organized Amenities: Arrange features like bike racks, lighting, and signage to enhance the experience.
Construction Timeline
Main to Idaho block: May 2026–Sept 2026
Idaho to Bannock block: Sept 2026–Nov 2026
Under Construction – Stage One
May 11 to June 8
- Main Street to Idaho Street block.
The street portion of 8th Street will be closed; sidewalks will be provided on both sides of the work zone for business access. Please dismount your wheels (bike, scooter, etc.) when using the sidewalks or use the alternate route shown below.
What's Coming Next – Stage Two
Stage Two starting in early June, the area will experience construction work on:
- Main Street to Idaho Street block.
The street portion of 8th Street will be closed and sidewalks will be provided on both
sides of the work zone for business access. - Main Street
- Closed from 9th Street to Capitol Boulevard.
- Capitol & Main Parking Garage: not accessible from Main Street. Please
access garage via Idaho Street. - 9th & Main Parking Garage — still accessible from Main Street
- VRT bus stops will be temporarily relocated moved to the west side of 9th Street, south of Main Street.
- Temporary crosswalks will be in place while the Main Street intersection is under construction.
- Idaho Street
- Vehicular travel lane shifts.
Please dismount your wheels (bike, scooter, etc.) when using the sidewalks or use an alternate route shown on this page.
Please keep the fence in the construction zone clear. For safety reasons, do not lock bikes to the fence. Bikes attached to the fence may be removed. If your bike was removed by the city, you can retrieve it here.
Construction projects can be complex and involve many moving parts. As a result, timelines and schedules may shift as work progresses. We are committed to keeping the community informed and will provide updates as frequently as possible when changes occur. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this project safely and efficiently.
During construction, please help keep our crews stay safe by giving contractors plenty of space to work. Follow all posted road closures, detours, and lane restrictions, and use extra caution when traveling through construction zones. Slowing down and staying alert helps protect workers and ensures the project can be completed as quickly and safely as possible.
Project Overview
- In 2020, the city-owned blocks of 8th St. (Main to Bannock) were closed to motor vehicles during the pandemic as a pilot project focused on economic recovery
- Closing the block allowed businesses to expand their patios
- In the years that followed, the city has been working with users, stakeholders, businesses, and partner agencies to receive feedback on the closures
- In 2022, the city identified design solutions to improve access and mobility along the street.
- In Fall 2022, the Boise City Council recommended a preferred design and approved funding for the city begin on Phase 1 improvements.
- In Spring of 2024, construction was completed for the Phase 1 accessibility and mobility improvements
- In Summer 2024, the city commenced design and public engagement for Phase 2
- In Winter 2026, the city finalized the Phase 2 design and has begun planning for construction to start in Summer 2026.
Reflecting our commitment to creating a city for everyone, Phase 1 of the 8th Street improvements was centered on enhancing accessibility. Transforming the car-free section between Main and Bannock Streets, we installed permanent ADA-compliant crossings, tactile wayfinding strips, and upgraded the overall design to better serve pedestrians and cyclists. These improvements ensure equitable access for all while keeping 8th Street a welcoming public space.
Construction of Phase 1 accessibility improvements were completed in March 2024. Those upgrades include:
- At the intersections of 8th and Main St. and 8th St. and Idaho St.:
- Conversion of former street crossings to ADA-compliant pedestrian crossings with new crosswalks in the center of the intersections.
- Relocation of pedestrian ramps, push buttons and pedestrian signals to align with center pedestrian crossings.
- Replacing existing pedestrian ramps with standard curb and gutter.
- At the intersection of 8th and Bannock St.:
- Installation of yellow tactile wayfinding strips to guide people with visual impairments to the pedestrian crossings.
- Between Main St. and Bannock St., on 8th St:
- Removal of bike lane and parking pavement markings
- Removal of temporary orange barriers
Phase 2 kicked off in Spring 2024 when we initiated data collection and a review of existing 8th Street conditions. With support from a design consultant, we evaluated the space as it is today through public and stakeholder outreach meetings, and subsequently, gathered feedback and finalized a proposed design. The design includes opportunities for improvements such as bike parking, pedestrian walkways, furnishing zone amenities, signage, lighting, public art, landscaping, seating and other accessibility upgrades.
Engagement Highlights:
- August 2024: Existing Conditions Workshop
- August 2024: Design Charrette Workshops
- October 2024: Shaping Our Shared Space – Pop-Up Event on 8th Street
- October 2024: Public Online Survey
- November 2024: Stakeholder One-on-One Meetings
Boise City Council approved funding for the construction of improvements on 8th Street this year. As an immediate next step, the city will be working towards securing all necessary permits. Construction will start Summer of 2026 on the south block between Main Street and Idaho Street. Work will then move to the north block between Idaho Street and Bannock Street.
The city's construction plan and schedule is strategic and intended to minimize impacts to businesses as much as possible. Businesses will be able to remain open while construction is happening. The city will provide regular updates to construction progress and ensure pedestrian detours and access are clear and intuitive.
Project Contacts
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