(City of Pocatello Press Release, September 9, 2026)
The City of Pocatello continues to make significant progress on several major infrastructure projects throughout Historic Downtown. From completed pedestrian safety improvements to ongoing bridge and underpass construction, these projects represent long-term investments in safer transportation, improved accessibility, and reliable infrastructure for residents, businesses, and visitors.
These investments also support the goals outlined in the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040, which provides a long-term vision for Pocatello’s growth and development. The plan emphasizes a community that is connected, accessible, outdoor-oriented, economically robust, and supported by quality infrastructure. Improvements underway in Historic Downtown help put that vision into action by strengthening pedestrian connections, improving transportation safety and accessibility, enhancing the urban environment, and investing in infrastructure that will serve the community for decades to come.
COMPLETED: Downtown Safety Improvement Project
The Downtown Safety Improvement Project along North Main Street and North Arthur Avenue has been successfully completed, delivering safer and more accessible connections for pedestrians and motorists.
The project included new curb extensions (bulb-outs) at key intersections to improve pedestrian visibility and help calm traffic, along with new ADA-compliant curb ramps that enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These improvements create a more walkable and connected downtown while improving safety for people of all ages and abilities.
Project Highlights:
- Total project funding: $1.7 million through the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program
- City of Pocatello local match: 7.34 percent
COMPLETED: Urban Forestry Improvements in Historic Downtown
Downtown tree removal, pruning, and replanting efforts are complete.
Project Highlights:
- Total project 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
- City of Pocatello local match: $0
Portneuf River Bridge Replacement Project on West Benton Street
Construction continues on the West Benton Street Bridge Replacement over the Portneuf River, with another major milestone recently completed. Crews have successfully installed all nine girder beams that form the primary structural framework of the new bridge. With the girders in place, construction will now move into the bridge deck phase before final roadway improvements are completed.
Project Highlights:
- Funding: $2,268,437 through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Grant Program
- City of Pocatello local match: $0
- Anticipated completion: October 2026
Center Street Underpass Project Reaches New Phase
Construction on the Center Street Underpass continues to move forward as one of the City’s largest and most significant infrastructure projects.
Crews have completed soldier pile shoring and sidewalk, curb, and gutter improvements along the south side of the underpass. As a result, pedestrian access has reopened on the south side, restoring an important connection through Historic Downtown.
Construction has now shifted primarily to the north side of the underpass while crews complete a limited amount of remaining work on the south side. During this work, construction personnel will safely accommodate pedestrians and maintain continuous access through the project area.
Despite the complexity of working beneath an active railroad and coordinating closely with Union Pacific Railroad operations, construction continues to make steady progress.
Once complete, the project will improve safety, accessibility, drainage, and the overall reliability of this critical downtown transportation corridor.
Project Highlights:
- Pedestrian access has reopened on the south side of the underpass
- Primary construction has shifted to the north side
- Total project cost: $10,330,135
- Representative Mike Simpson secured $5.7 million in federal funding for the project, with the remaining funding provided through the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council. The City of Pocatello is providing a 7.34 percent local match.
- Anticipated completion: End of 2026
Stay Informed During Construction
The City encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting Historic Downtown businesses while construction is underway. Motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones, follow posted traffic control devices, and watch for construction crews and pedestrians.
For additional information about these and other City construction projects, visit pocatello.gov/projects.
To learn more about the City’s long-term vision and Comprehensive Plan 2040, visit comprehensive-plan-2040-pocatello.hub.arcgis.com/.
