The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) announced Tuesday that it is terminating its contract with the construction firm responsible for the Liberty Street reconstruction in the Boise Bench neighborhood. The decision delays the project’s final completion until the summer of 2027, after an originally scheduled finish this month.
Why the delay?
Project inspector Matthew Gibbs explained that the most critical component of the roadway – the gravel base – has not yet been replaced. “The most important part of the road is the material underneath it, the gravels, and they haven’t replaced the gravels yet,” Gibbs said. Without a proper base, the temporary asphalt surface cannot support the weight of traffic over the long term.
Because the gravel layer must be removed, the temporary pavement will have to be torn up next year, the base rebuilt, and the final surface installed. ACHD has already made progress on the east side of Liberty Street, including a portion of a new multi‑use pathway, so crews will not be starting from scratch when work resumes.
Impact on residents
Neighborhood resident Sarah Dubois expressed frustration with the ongoing disruption. “We’ve just been shocked to see that it’s not anywhere near done, like the whole half of the road is just like missing, pretty much,” she said. Dubois also noted increased traffic on side streets as drivers seek alternate routes. “Just today there was a truck that just flew past through here going way too fast and my nephew is right here. They’re just trying to cut through because that main road is just not usable. That’s been really frustrating,” she added.
Next steps and taxpayer considerations
ACHD is now seeking a new contractor to complete the work. While no firm start date has been set, Gibbs said the district is working to limit any additional costs to taxpayers. “We’re trying to limit any additional costs to taxpayers,” he said.
The agency also indicated that it will coordinate the remaining work on Liberty Street with upcoming construction on Allumbaugh Street, aiming to minimize further disruptions in the summer schedule.
Project background
The Liberty Street project began in November 2025 with the goal of improving the roadway, adding sidewalks, and constructing a 10‑foot‑wide pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians. The temporary pavement was intended to allow two‑way traffic while the underlying work was completed, but the unfinished gravel base has forced a reassessment of the timeline.
Residents can expect the temporary surface to remain in place through the winter months, with full reconstruction slated for the summer of 2027 once a new contractor is in place and the gravel base is properly installed.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
