Eckert Bridge Closes in Southeast Boise as Two-Year Replacement Project Gets Under Way

The Ada County Highway District has closed the Eckert Bridge in southeast Boise, starting a replacement project that is expected to take about two years.

Under the plan, the aging bridge will be replaced with a wider structure. A roundabout will also be built at the intersection of Eckert Road and Boise Avenue. Officials said the changes are meant to improve safety and traffic flow in one of the area's growing corridors.

Steve Dunlap, who has lived in the neighborhood for 47 years, said he has crossed the bridge more times than he can count. He said the intersection has become steadily more congested and more dangerous. Joking about the structure's condition, he said the project should be "a significant improvement over having the bridge collapse."

Dunlap acknowledged the inconvenience but said the work is worthwhile. "It's a natural part of development and improvement," he said, adding that he is looking forward to the added safety and better access.

Other neighbors shared that view, with some reservations about the schedule. Mindy Gibb, who lives near the now-closed intersection, said, "I think it had to happen." She and her husband, John, said two years seems like a long time, but they agreed the upgrade is needed, particularly with a park project going in nearby. They described the old bridge as tight and dangerous, noting that large trucks crossing it could barely squeeze through.

The closure will affect the couple's recreation. They spend a lot of time on the greenbelt and said they will lose their access to Barber Park across the river. John Gibb explained that people on the far side of the river can cross the canal to reach the park, but he and his wife will remain on their side of the river.

On the first day of the closure, several drivers were seen passing road closure signs before turning around and taking detours. A drive from the east side of the Boise River to Barber Park along the detour route on ParkCenter Boulevard took about eight minutes.

Some residents voiced frustration over the detours. ACHD plans to build a temporary road to Barber Park later in the project, while crews work on the new roundabout at Boise Avenue and Eckert Road. The goal is to give floaters and neighbors easy access to the park.