Construction along Capitol Boulevard, a vital downtown Boise arterial, is on track to conclude in August, marking the end of a months-long overhaul aimed at preparing the corridor for the city’s evolving transportation and residential needs.

Launched in fall 2024, the Capitol Boulevard project — spearheaded by the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) — has caused significant lane closures stretching from Royal Boulevard to Myrtle Street. The upgrade is part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, and integrate the corridor into the future vision of a more accessible and livable downtown Boise.

Capitol Boulevard connects the Boise Depot with the Idaho Capitol building and serves as a primary gateway into the city’s core. The current work is intended to modernize the historic stretch without piecemeal disruptions in the future.

“We started conversations with the city about a year and a half ago to figure out how to lump all of these improvements into one project,” said Megan Pape, project manager for CCDC. “Our main goal was to provide safer, less-congested travel options for the public. And so our work on that project spans both sides of Capitol Boulevard, both the east and the west side, from the Boise River down to Myrtle Street.”

The updates coincide with the nearby River Myrtle/Old Boise District improvement project, which stretches from 16th Street to Broadway Avenue and is expected to wrap up in September. That project has brought a slate of enhancements, including public art installations, improvements to the Boise Greenbelt, and the addition of The Broadstone Saratoga — a seven-story mixed-use development expected to deliver new housing and commercial options by May.

The Capitol Boulevard upgrades themselves include numerous elements aimed at creating a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly experience. These features include ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps, and crossings, a newly improved Valley Regional Transit bus stop, and a dedicated protected bike lane.

“It's an essential safety upgrade for those coming from the Boise Bench to downtown,” Pape said, referring to the new bike infrastructure.

Utility improvements form another critical component of the project. Workers are replacing outdated water lines to improve drinking water quality, upgrading fiber optics for faster internet access, and modernizing the 98-year-old geothermal line that helps heat buildings throughout the city. Boise officials have noted that the geothermal pipe replacement is part of a larger proactive initiative to reduce leaks and improve system reliability for future generations.

In addition to transportation and utility upgrades, the area will see a range of streetscape improvements. These include newly planted trees, benches, trash cans, and bike racks near Julia Davis Park — amenities aimed at both beautifying the area and accommodating future events, such as the Treefort Music Fest, which drew heavy foot traffic this year.

“It’s an area that’s needed it for a long time,” said Pape. “It’s an essential artery into downtown Boise, and we’re really excited for the end result.”

As Boise continues to grow, officials say projects like these are key to supporting the city's livability and resilience. The improvements to Capitol Boulevard aim not only to alleviate current issues but to help the corridor serve as a robust and sustainable connection point for decades to come.

Originally reported by Idaho Press.