August 16, 2024

The Center Street underpass in Historic Downtown Pocatello will open Sunday, August 18. Crews have been working hard this week to make sure the underpass opens.

Thursday, crews paved the road and Friday morning, crews painted the stripes. This portion of the project is now complete and the road is ready and operational. However, at the request of Historic Downtown Pocatello, LLC, the underpass will remain closed until Sunday morning to accommodate their block party on Center Street which is scheduled for Saturday.

The City of Pocatello has been working with the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) during the construction process, as UPRR must review and approve plans. The underpass will remain open until the construction review process is complete. The pedestrian tunnel on the north side of the underpass will remain open for pedestrian and bicycle access, and the tunnel on the south side will remain closed.

During construction, a city waterline was replaced, cracked walls were repaired, spalling on concrete was repaired, the majority of the concrete beneath the asphalt and south side pedestrian railings were removed, and storm drains were repaired. The City is currently working on submittals for further work in accordance with the UPRR standards.

Further work to be completed includes repairing the abutments, replacing the fascia and portals to the sidewalks, and replacing the retaining walls and sidewalks leading to the pedestrian tunnels. The existing stormwater system will be adjusted, relocating the pump controls and power to higher ground. Additionally, a pedestrian bridge across Center Street will be constructed.

The City has been working with the Idaho Transportation Department, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, and several consultants on this project. Project design was completed by Jacobs Engineering, the construction contract was awarded to Cannon Builders for the construction of the project, and the Construction Engineering and Inspections contract was awarded to Civil Science, Inc. The State of Idaho Local Highway Technical Assistance Council is administering the project.

The Center Street underpass is the primary entrance to the heart of Historic Downtown. It is an essential element of our transportation system with over 10,000 vehicles traveling through this structure daily. This is one of three principle arterial streets which cross the railroad connecting the Historic Downtown area to the rest of Pocatello. The City appreciates the patience the public and local businesses have exhibited during this phase of the underpass project.

Construction is expected to resume in Spring 2025.