Eckert Road Bridge and Intersection Project

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.

BOISE — The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) are pleased to announce that work is beginning on interim repairs for the Eckert Road Bridge, which was built over the Boise River in 1954. This collaborative effort aims to allow the bridge to temporarily reopen by the end of spring, providing additional time for the design and planning of a long-term replacement.

Since the emergency bridge closure, staff at ITD have been working diligently on a plan for interim repairs following ACHD’s decision to close the bridge at the end of January. ITD designed the repair plan based on prior work on a similar bridge in northern Idaho, and bridge engineers have confirmed that it is suitable for the Eckert Road Bridge. Additionally, ITD has procured the needed materials for the project and worked in coordination with ACHD to secure emergency permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Now with the design complete and permits in hand, ACHD and ITD crews plan to begin work in the river next week. Work is expected to begin as early as Monday, February 17. During the repair work, the pedestrian and bicycle bridge will be closed for safety. The main bridge will also be closed to bicycles and pedestrians.

The interim repairs are estimated to take four to eight weeks to complete. However, the exact timeline of repairs will depend on how long it takes each pile to be reinforced, as well as the available window for crews to work in the river before spring flows rise. ACHD expects to have a more accurate time frame as the work progresses.

The repair process will involve using steel plate channels to reinforce the bridge’s support piles. Specifically, two plates will be bolted together around each affected timber pile and then supported by a concrete base.

Working in the river poses unique challenges. To install concrete bases for the steel reinforcements, ACHD will need to divert a portion of the river. Work will end in time for spring runoff, at which point water levels will be too high to continue safely working.

“ITD has been a critical partner in ensuring we can get this bridge reopened as quickly and safely as possible,” ACHD Director Ryan Head said. “We appreciate our partner agency’s expertise and assistance in developing and executing this interim repair plan. These repairs aim to allow for the reopening prior to our popular float season while also providing ACHD additional time to properly plan for a long-term replacement.”

ACHD and ITD will complete the work in a joint effort, with ACHD reimbursing ITD for materials and staff time. The estimated cost to repair the bridge is $500,000. Crews will divert half of the Boise River at a time in this area to complete the repairs.

“ITD is bringing its expertise to help expedite this emergency bridge repair,” ITD Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney said. “This teamwork demonstrates the strength of interagency collaboration, and we are committed to reopening for the community and emergency services to have a safe and functional crossing while the long-term replacement project solutions are developed.”

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 for those who wish to watch virtually. The meeting will also be posted on ACHD's website and YouTube.

January 31, 2025 - 11:30am