Eckert Road Bridge

BOISE — Interim repairs on the Eckert Road Bridge are now complete, and the structure is once again safe for travel. Following a final inspection, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has confirmed that the bridge can reopen for passenger vehicles and commercial traffic that meet legal load requirements. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by the end of the day today, Monday, March 10.

The bridge was originally closed at the end of January after a routine inspection revealed severe decay in its support structures. Given the urgency of the situation, ITD developed a repair plan based off of a similar bridge in northern Idaho and worked in tandem with ACHD to secure emergency permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Public safety is always our top priority,” said Ryan Head, ACHD Director. “This project was a true testament to the power of partnership. We appreciate ITD’s quick response in developing a repair plan, and we thank the public for their patience as we worked to ensure the bridge’s safety. This collaboration allowed us to address a critical issue and restore access as quickly as possible.”

Repairs began on February 17, when crews started diverting a portion of the Boise River. The repair process involved using steel plate channels to reinforce the bridge’s support piles, with each pile then supported by a concrete base. Crews worked in phases, diverting one half of the river at a time. Crews from ACHD and ITD worked together each day, including over weekends and holidays, to complete the repairs as quickly as possible.

“This project required a rapid and coordinated effort, and we’re pleased with the outcome,” said ITD Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney. “Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure the bridge could safely reopen before river levels rose, and we’re grateful for the collaboration that made it possible.”

After crews finished repairs on all severely decayed piles, along with several that showed moderate decay, ITD conducted a final inspection to ensure the bridge was safe to reopen with no weight restriction. The repairs were completed in time for the summer float season, ensuring safe access for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

ACHD and ITD completed the project in a joint effort, with ACHD reimbursing ITD for materials and staff time. While final accounting of costs is still being completed, the estimated cost of the interim repairs is $500,000.

ACHD remains committed to the long-term reconstruction of the Eckert Bridge, with accelerated design work having begun in early February. The District is tentatively aiming to begin reconstruction on the bridge in fall 2026. More details on the full replacement project will be shared as plans progress.

Earlier this week, crews finished repair work on all piles that showed severe decay on the northern side of the bridge. They then shifted operations to divert the southern half of the river and began addressing severely decayed piles on the southern side.

By the end of the day tomorrow (Saturday), repairs on all bridge piles that were determined to have severe decay are expected to be complete.

Starting Monday, crews will begin work on piles that have shown moderate decay, beginning on the southern side of the bridge. ACHD will continue coordinating with ITD to inspect the bridge and determine when it is safe to reopen.

Senior Public Information Officer Rachel Bjornestad talks all things Eckert Bridge with Tom Otte, ACHD's Deputy Director of Operations.

Crews are making progress on interim repairs to the Eckert Road Bridge. ACHD and ITD crews are working as the weather allows.

Piles on pier six and pier seven have been bolted, and concrete has been poured. Work on the northern side of the bridge is nearing completion. Once work on the northern side is complete, crews will move to the south side of the bridge.

The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as vehicles. The bicycle and pedestrian bridge is also closed for the duration of the repair work.

We understand detours can be inconvenient, but for the safety of all commuters and staff working on the bridge, please do not use the bridge at this time.

While the bridge is closed, bicyclists and pedestrians should use the East Parkcenter Bridge (see detour map).

As a reminder, access to Barber Park is still open directly south of the bridge.

As members of the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) Board of Commissioners, we extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Brad Little, the Idaho Legislature, and the leaders behind the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program. Your commitment to investing in Idaho’s aging infrastructure through the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) is a testament to your vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the communities we serve.

A prime example of the impact of this initiative is the funding provided for the reconstruction of the Eckert Road Bridge—an essential connection for residents, businesses, and emergency responders in Ada County. Originally scheduled for replacement in the coming years, recent inspections revealed rapid deterioration, making an accelerated reconstruction imperative. Thanks to the funding made available through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program, we can expedite the replacement of this critical bridge while minimizing disruptions to other essential infrastructure projects throughout the county.

The significance of this investment cannot be overstated. Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, facilitating economic growth, safety, and connectivity. By prioritizing the replacement and improvement of Idaho’s bridges, our state leaders have demonstrated a deep understanding of the long-term needs of a growing population. Their foresight ensures that our bridges remain safe and functional, supporting Idahoans today and for generations to come.

This proactive approach to infrastructure funding is a model of responsible governance—one that acknowledges the importance of maintaining and enhancing critical the transportation network, ultimately protecting the safety of the public. The ability to address essential bridge repairs and replacements in hundreds of communities large and small, reflects the wisdom and responsiveness of Idaho’s leadership.

On behalf of ACHD and the residents we serve, we thank you for your continued support, partnership and commitment to strengthening Idaho’s transportation system. The Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program is not just an investment in infrastructure—it is an investment in the future of our communities, our economy, and our shared prosperity.

ACHD Board of Commissioners

Eckert Bridge – February 7 Update

We are pleased to share that the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) has voted to accept and fund ACHD’s application for the Eckert Road Bridge replacement under the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program. This means that both the design and construction costs for the new bridge will be covered by state funds set aside specifically for projects like this. ACHD will work closely with LHTAC as they administer the contract to ensure this critical project moves forward efficiently.

At this time, we are still working to determine the exact dollar amount of funding that qualifies for the project. Additionally, we do not yet have a finalized timeline for reconstruction, but we will provide updates as soon as more details are available.

January 31, 2025 - 3PM

January 31, 2025 | 2:30PM

ACHD has announced the immediate closure of the Eckert Road Bridge following findings from a recent inspection that revealed widespread structural decay.

A press conference will be held today, Friday, January 31, at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at ACHD headquarters (3775 N Adams St) in Garden City to discuss the situation with media. Members of the media who would like to participate must RSVP to communications@achdidaho.org.

Following findings from an inspection report, ACHD was informed of significant deterioration affecting the bridge's load capacity. Specifically, the consultant’s assessment found moderate to severe decay on 22 out of the 48 bridge pillars. Additionally, on the center pier, five out of six timber piles exhibited severe decay.

Based on these findings, the Idaho Transportation Department recommended an immediate weight restriction of three tons. In the interest of public safety, ACHD has opted to close the bridge to all motor vehicle traffic, effective immediately. The bridge will remain open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

This morning, the ACHD Commission held a special meeting to approve the bridge closure. A link to the meeting is available on ACHD’s website for public access.

ACHD installed road closure signs along the bridge today, and will install advanced warning signage to help commuters navigate alternate routes.

The duration of the closure remains uncertain. ACHD will provide more information to the public on the timeline as it becomes available.

For further updates and detour information, please visit achdidaho.org/eckertbridge.

STREAMING INFORMATION: The meeting will be livestreamed and can be accessed at achdidaho.org/live(External link) for those who wish to watch virtually. The meeting will also be posted on ACHD's website and YouTube.

January 31, 2025 - 11:30am