Residents of southeast Boise should plan for a long‑term detour after the Eckert Road Bridge was closed on Monday, Oct. 12. The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) says the bridge will remain out of service until the fall of 2028 while a full replacement and associated roadway upgrades are carried out.

Detour routes for motorists

ACHD recommends that drivers travel on Parkcenter Boulevard and Bown Way to bypass the closed crossing. The stretch of Eckert Road between Boise Avenue and Millbrook Way is now limited to local traffic only, so commuters should allow extra travel time as traffic adjusts to the new patterns.

Why the bridge is being replaced

Inspections revealed serious decay in multiple support pillars, prompting an early 2025 closure for safety reasons. Rather than patch the existing structure, the district has opted for a complete replacement. The project includes a wider bridge over the Boise River, a new crossing over the Ridenbaugh Canal, and a roundabout at Eckert Road and Boise Avenue. A multi‑use pathway will run along the west side of the bridge, and a Greenbelt tunnel beneath will improve pedestrian and cyclist access.

Barber Park stays open

Families who frequent Barber Park can breathe a sigh of relief: the park will remain open throughout construction. ACHD confirms that access from the Boise Avenue side will be maintained via a temporary bypass over the Ridenbaugh Canal, and parking will continue to be available.

Project timeline and future benefits

The construction will be phased, beginning with the bridge replacements. Once those are reopened, crews will move on to the intersection improvements at Eckert Road and Boise Avenue. Although the overall schedule extends to 2028, the district expects that the finished project will deliver a safer, more convenient crossing for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as a modernized intersection and enhanced green‑space connectivity.

Where to find updates

For the latest detour information, project milestones and any changes to traffic patterns, residents should visit the ACHD Eckert Road Bridge and Intersection Project page.

Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.