(City of Pocatello Press Release, June 25, 2026)
Historic Downtown Pocatello is seeing significant investment as multiple infrastructure, safety, and beautification projects continue throughout the area. Together, these projects will improve safety, accessibility, sustainability, and the overall experience for residents, visitors, and businesses while preserving the character of the Historic Downtown District.
The Mayor and City Council have made it a priority to increase beautification, walkability, sidewalk improvements, and address deferred maintenance throughout the downtown area.
“These projects are investments in the future of Historic Downtown Pocatello,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “Through grant funding and partnerships, we are making improvements that will benefit our community for generations.”
The following projects are currently underway or scheduled to begin soon. Grant funds are restricted to the projects for which they were awarded and cannot be used for other City services or projects. Projected completion dates are estimates and subject to change.
Urban Forestry Improvements in Historic Downtown
Downtown tree removal, pruning, and replanting efforts are underway to improve the health and sustainability of the urban forest. New plantings that align with the recommended species list will replace removed trees.
- FUNDING: $1 million Urban and Community Forestry Grant awarded in 2023, along with an additional $795,000 in grant funding received in 2026. Tree work in downtown totaled $51,520
- CURRENT STATUS: Removal and Pruning Complete; Replanting Underway
- PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE: Fall 2026
Sidewalk Assessment, Repair, and Replacement
Pocatello Regional Transit partnered with the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to remove architectural barriers and hazards that impede access to bus stops in the downtown.
- FUNDING: $795,000 through Federal Transit Authority and Community Development Block Grant funding
- CURRENT STATUS: Assessment and repairs complete; replacement phase scheduled for Fall 2026
- PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE: Spring 2027
Downtown Safety Improvement Project
Safety improvements are underway along North Main Street, North Arthur Avenue, and Flandro Drive, including several enhancements within Historic Downtown. Improvements include sidewalk bulb-outs, ADA-compliant curb ramps, raised medians, and new sidewalks designed to improve pedestrian safety and walkability.
- FUNDING: Total funding is $1.7 million through the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program, with the City providing a 7.34 percent local match
- CURRENT STATUS: Improvements completed at several intersections; additional bulb-outs, medians, and sidewalks under construction
- PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE: August 2026
Portneuf River Bridge Replacement Project on West Benton Street
The aging bridge on West Benton Street over the Portneuf River is being replaced with a new concrete structure, including pedestrian and utility improvements.
- FUNDING: $2,268,437 through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Grant Program
- CURRENT STATUS: Foundation preparation and test pile installation underway; bridge demolition anticipated in the coming weeks
- PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE: September 2026
Center Street Underpass Project
One of the largest infrastructure projects in downtown, the project includes installation of soldier pile shoring. Upcoming work includes repairs to bridge abutments, construction of retaining walls, sidewalk improvements, updated tunnel entrances, and a new pedestrian bridge on the west side of the tracks over Center Street connecting the north side of Center to the south side.
Construction continues to make steady progress as crews work through complex site conditions and coordinate closely with Union Pacific Railroad operations.
- FUNDING: $10,330,135 with the City providing a 7.34 percent match. Representative Mike Simpson secured $5.7 million in federal funding for the project with Local Highway Technical Assistance Council providing the rest
- CURRENT STATUS: Crews have completed the footings and wall sections for the new sidewalk and retaining wall on the south side of the underpass, with concrete work expected next; construction will soon shift to the north side
- PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE: End of 2026
Investing in Downtown’s Future: Collectively, these projects represent millions of dollars in investment in Historic Downtown Pocatello and support the goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 and Downtown Development Plan. To learn more about these and other adopted plans, visit: pocatello.gov/764/Planning-Division.
“Having several major projects underway at the same time presents its own challenges, and we understand the temporary inconveniences they may cause. Many of these projects are tied to grant funding and strict deadlines, which resulted in several moving forward simultaneously this year. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding, and we’re confident the improvements will be well worth the wait,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist.
Community members can follow the progress of these and other projects by visiting pocatello.gov/pocatelloprojects.
