Eckert Road Bridge and Intersection Project

View the bridge and intersection designs, then take the survey to share your preferences about aesthetics. Let us know which bridge railing style you like best, as well as the textures you prefer for the railings and retaining wall areas.

There are two ways to participate:

• Online

  • View the online map and learn more about the project.
  • After reviewing the information, please take the survey. While your comments are always welcome, the survey closes on December 17, 2025

• In-Person Open House

  • December 9, 2025 | 5-7 p.m.
  • Barber Park Education & Event Center | 4049 S Eckert Rd

The Eckert Road Bridge is back open to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists after the completion of interim repairs. A final inspection by the Idaho Transportation Department confirmed that the bridge is safe for passenger vehicles and commercial traffic within legal load limits.

The bridge was closed in January 2025 after an inspection identified significant structural decay. ACHD and ITD collaborated to complete the repairs quickly and safely, and reopened the bridge March 10.

ACHD is actively working on plans for a full reconstruction of the bridge, with design work already underway. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in fall 2026. Updates on the replacement project will be provided as planning progresses.

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.

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