POCATELLO – A historic underpass will temporarily reopen this weekend.
The Center Street underpass, built nearly 90 years ago and leading into the heart of historic downtown Pocatello, will reopen Sunday. Although much work has already been done on the project, much remains to be done, and the underpass is expected to close again in the spring.
“It’s the heart of our historic downtown and that’s why we really have to do it right,” said Becky Babb, project manager for the underpass.
The city was unable to meet all of the underpass project’s goals due to delays in the review and approval process with Union Pacific Railroad. While the first round of submissions for the design of the project with the railroad were completed, the second round of submissions for the construction process took longer to be approved.
“Sometimes it’s a little more specific as to how exactly (the contractor) is going to implement what’s in the design,” Babb said.
Due to these delays, the city decided to carry out only the construction work that could be completed and then open the tunnel for the winter.
The road was repaved Thursday and pavement markings were added Friday. Although the road is now open, Historic Downtown Pocatello has requested that it be closed until after the Welcome Back Bengals Street Fest on Saturday.
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The city also replaced a water main and repaired cracks in the walls and spalling concrete. The asphalt and railing on the south side pedestrian walkway were removed for safety reasons and will remain closed until the project is completed.
Once the underpass is closed and work resumes, workers will still need to repair the abutments, replace the retaining walls and walkways to the pedestrian tunnels, and move the controls for the stormwater system’s pumps to higher ground.
In addition, a pedestrian bridge will be built over Center Street in historic downtown, which Babb said will improve safety and walkability.
The city is grateful for the patience of commuters and businesses in repairing the long-standing structure.
“We recognize that both businesses and commuters are impacted,” Babb said. “It’s definitely the heart of our historic downtown.”
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