POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Pocatello released a long-awaited update this week on the ongoing construction at the Center Street Underpass. This project has been the longest and most difficult for construction crews, but Mayor Mark Dahlquist is applauding their perseverance through the challenges that come with an 80-year-old structure.
The City has consistently called the underpass one of the most significant infrastructure improvement projects, leaving residents in anticipation for its reopening. In a statement released Tuesday, the Public Works Department said crews have completed installing pile shoring to provide temporary structural support to the sides of the underpass.
They added current activities include pouring the concrete for the foundational footings and lower walls. Residents will notice crane activity continuing throughout the next few months to support those construction efforts.
As for the finished product, the City says the improvements will be abundant. There will be new retaining walls, upgraded sidewalks, and the installation of a pedestrian bridge on the west side of the underpass. Currently, pedestrian access is available on the south side of the underpass on a finished sidewalk.
Public Works stated work continues to “advance steadily,” despite the major challenges that come with working under the Union Pacific Railroad. Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist echoed that sentiment, stating he is impressed by the steady work crews have completed through bumps in the project.
“Upon completion, the project will enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, improve drainage, and strengthen the long-term functionality and reliability of this vital downtown transportation corridor,” the City of Pocatello press release states.
Once the retaining walls and new sidewalks are complete, the next steps for the project include replacing the fascia on both sides of the underpass to prepare for installing the pedestrian bridge.
The Center Street Underpass improvements are funded in part by Representative Mike Simpson as well as the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and a 7.34 percent match by the City of Pocatello.
In the Tuesday statement, the City said traffic access is expected to return through the underpass by the end of this year. Reasons for a delay would include weather concerns or unforeseen conditions.
“It’s important to remember that we’ve torn out and rebuilt significant portions of a massive public structure that’s over 80 years old that sits right next to and underneath a major rail line,” Mayor Dahlquist said. “When you undertake a project of this nature, and in this location, you’re continuously grappling with issues you would have never expected.”
The Mayor went on to say the newly rebuilt structure should last for another 80 years in Pocatello. He also said the crews and City appreciate the patience from the public as construction personnel take a significant part of the year to complete this complicated construction.
“For years, this project has been kicked down the road, and we felt it was necessary to get things completed once and for all,” Mayor Dahlquist said. “I know this has come with its share of inconvenience to the public.”
As for the other major downtown project, the Portneuf River Bridge on Benton Street, the City says traffic access is expected back there by mid-November.
