(City of Pocatello Press Release, October 27, 2026)
Through continued investment in critical infrastructure, the City of Pocatello is enhancing the safety, accessibility, and long-term functionality of Historic Downtown. Current efforts include ongoing bridge and underpass construction, as well as the completion of pedestrian safety improvements. These projects demonstrate the City’s commitment to maintaining dependable infrastructure and creating a safer, more accessible environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Portneuf River Bridge Replacement Project on West Benton Street
Construction continues on the Portneuf River Bridge Replacement Project on West Benton Street, with another major milestone recently completed.
Construction crews have completed the concrete pour for the new bridge deck and removed the formwork from the abutments. Upcoming work includes installing sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and a new waterline, as well as constructing a concrete retaining wall to connect the bridge to the roadway. These improvements mark another step forward as crews continue making progress toward project completion.
Project Highlights:
- Construction Progress: Bridge deck construction is advancing, bringing the project closer to substantial completion.
- Funding: $2,268,437 awarded through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Grant Program.
- Anticipated Traffic Access: Mid-November 2026, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
Center Street Underpass Project Reaches New Phase
Construction on the Center Street Underpass continues to progress as the City of Pocatello advances one of its most significant infrastructure improvement projects.
Crews have completed the installation of pile shoring to provide temporary structural support along the northeast and northwest sides of the underpass. Current construction activities include pouring concrete for the foundation footings and lower walls in these areas. Crane operations are also ongoing to support construction efforts.
The project includes several major improvements, such as rehabilitating the existing abutments, constructing new retaining walls, upgrading sidewalks, replacing the underpass fascia, and installing a pedestrian bridge along the west side of the underpass. Despite the complexities associated with construction beneath an active railroad and the need to coordinate closely with Union Pacific Railroad, work continues to advance steadily.
Upon completion, the project will enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, improve drainage, and strengthen the long-term functionality and reliability of this vital downtown transportation corridor.
Project Highlights:
- Pedestrian Access: Pedestrian access is currently maintained along the south side of the underpass
- Construction Progress: Following the installation of the sidewalks and retaining walls, crews will replace the fascia on both sides of the underpass in preparation for installing the pedestrian bridge
- Total Project Funding: $11,230,135.00
- Funding Sources: 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 Traffic Access: Traffic access is expected to be restored by the end of 2026, weather and other unforeseen conditions permitting.
“Projects such as the Center Street Underpass take a tremendous amount of coordination with players such as Union Pacific Railroad, utility companies, engineering firms, and state and federal funders. It’s important to remember that we’ve torn out and rebuilt significant portions of a massive public structure that’s over 80 years old that sits right next to and underneath a major rail line. When you undertake a project of this nature and in this location, you’re continuously grappling with issues you would have never expected. In spite of these difficulties, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how our team has overcome issues and determined alternative ways to move forward. I’m equally impressed that the crews from Cannon Construction have worked tirelessly and steadily on the project for the last several months. In the end, we will have a completed underpass that should hold up for another 80 years. For years, this project has been kicked down the road and we felt it was necessary to get things completed once and for all. I know this has come with its share of inconvenience to the public. I very much appreciate the patience that has been exercised,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist.
COMPLETED: Downtown Safety Improvement Project
The City of Pocatello successfully completed the Downtown Safety Improvement Project on July 17, 2026. The project encompassed North Main Street, North Arthur Avenue, and Flandro Drive, implementing targeted infrastructure enhancements to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and traffic conditions throughout the Downtown Community area.
Key improvements included the installation of curb extensions (bulb-outs) at designated intersections to increase pedestrian visibility and encourage reduced vehicle speeds. Additionally, new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps were installed to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, these enhancements strengthen pedestrian connectivity, promote a safer and more accessible downtown environment, and support the needs of residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Project Highlights:
- Project Status: Completed July 17, 2026.
- Total Project Funding: $1.7 million through the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program
- Local Contribution: The City of Pocatello provided a 7.34 percent local match
COMPLETED: Urban Forestry Improvements in Historic Downtown
This project included tree removal, pruning, and replanting promoting environmental sustainability, protecting infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents along the Downtown Community area.
Project Highlights:
- Project Status: Completed late spring, 2026.
- 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
These projects align with the City of Pocatello’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 vision of creating a more economically robust, connected, safe, and accessible community. They also support the goals outlined in the Downtown Development Plan by improving existing infrastructure, enhancing walkability, and encouraging continued investment in Historic Downtown. Additionally, these efforts contribute to the goals and strategies identified in the City’s Urban Forest Plan.
For more information, explore the following plans:
Downtown Development Plan (pages 65-66): pocatello.gov/764/Planning-Division#docaccess-00936878e59637a91005e38bf06d57128a4989a8c5bbfdb176f97fa7741949fb
Comprehensive Plan 2040 (pages 31-36, 43-48): pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Comprehensive-Plan-2040-PDF#page=31
Urban Forest Plan: pocatello.gov/764/Planning-Division#docaccess-baa7a50e162de5f1703780db49adaedf
For additional information about these and other City construction projects, visit pocatello.gov/projects.
