16th and Washington Streets Intersection Pedestrian Safety Project

BOISE — This spring, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) will be making safety improvements to the intersection of 16th Street and Washington Street in downtown Boise. The project includes traffic calming and pedestrian enhancements to enhance safety for all users.

Planned improvements include replacing the existing traffic signal at 16th and Washington with pedestrian-activated enhanced crossings, which are better suited to the traffic needs of the area. Crews will also be installing raised pedestrian crossings (similar in design to speed humps) across 16th Street to increase visibility of those crossing the street and better manage vehicle speeds. The project also includes constructing bulb-outs, upgrading pedestrian ramps, and improving intersection lighting.

The most noticeable change for users will be the traffic signal removal at 16th and Washington, to be replaced with pedestrian-activated Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). RRFBs are pedestrian-activated flashing LED lights typically mounted adjacent to the pedestrian crossing. When activated, the indications alert drivers to pedestrian presence, increasing driver awareness and improving pedestrian safety.

ACHD is replacing the signal with RRFBs because there is some concern that southbound drivers on 16th Street are focused on the signal at 16th and State Street when it is green. This may lead to drivers disobeying red indications at Washington Street. Additionally, the current traffic signal components at this intersection are nearly 40 years old and are near the end of their useful lives without significant reconstruction effort.

“This project reflects ACHD’s ongoing commitment to improving safety for all who use our transportation network," said ACHD Director Ryan Head. "By combining pedestrian-focused enhancements with updated traffic engineering practices, we’re creating an intersection that works better for everyone."

Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2025. Traffic engineering best practice recommends a minimum 90 day public notification period prior to signal removal. Signal heads will be covered or removed and appropriate stop control will be installed on Washington Street and at the Albertsons driveway during this time. Temporary pedestrian detours may be necessary to meet all applicable requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Construction updates will be posted on the project page on ACHD’s website, where residents can also sign up for email updates.