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.
- 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
- Over the past three years 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 Spring/Summer 2024, the city commenced design and public engagement for Phase 2
Reflecting our commitment to creating a city for everyone, phase 1 of the 8th Street improvements 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 will evaluate the space as it is today through public and stakeholder outreach meetings, and subsequently, gather feedback and finalize 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.
In August 2024, we conducted workshops to gather feedback on the existing use of space including operations and maintenance. We invited stakeholders including 8th Street businesses and property owners, partner agencies, internal city departments, user group representatives and advocates. The same groups were later invited back to brainstorm workshops to focus on the future of 8th Street. Attendees interacted with game pieces on a large map to discuss opportunities, limitations or constraints, competing priorities, and which types of placemaking this project could benefit from. Most recently, the design consultant has taken all the feedback received and developed concepts to represent areas for opportunity as we continue to gather public input.
Next Steps:
A concept design was created based on the feedback we heard from the community. City council reviewed the concept design and approved moving forward with a more detailed design process which will include construction cost estimates and the exploration of funding opportunities. The design process is anticipated to wrap up Summer 2025.
Project Contacts
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