The southern pedestrian tunnel of the Center Street Underpass in Pocatello is open to the public again, marking a significant milestone for a major infrastructure project that remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026, according to reporting from idahostatejournal.com.
Crews have finished installing soldier pile shoring and upgrading sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along the south side of the structure. This work restores a walkable connection through Historic Downtown Pocatello, an area that has seen limited access during the extensive renovation.
Construction Shifts North
With the southern section secured, primary construction efforts have moved to the north side of the underpass. The project involves complex logistics, including work beneath active railroad tracks owned by Union Pacific Railroad. Coordination with the railroad remains a critical component of the daily operations.
The site has seen significant earthmoving activity, with crews excavating massive boulders from the underpass area. Large piles of debris and construction equipment currently dominate the landscape, but the progress on the south side signals that the project is moving toward its final phase.
Funding and Timeline
The Center Street Underpass serves as a primary thoroughfare to Historic Downtown Pocatello, handling approximately 10,000 drivers daily when fully open. The total cost of the project stands at $10,330,135.
Funding for the renovation comes from multiple sources. A congressional appropriation of $5.7 million provides the largest share of the capital. An additional $2.1 million is provided through the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Idaho Transportation Department. The City of Pocatello is contributing a local match of 7.34 percent, valued at approximately $572,520.
The project began in February 2024. Since then, the underpass has undergone several complete and partial closures, disrupting traffic flow for residents and commuters. To keep the project on track, city officials added a second crew in early June and extended the workweek from 40 to 50 hours.
Impact on Downtown Access
The Gate City gateway has been permanently closed since January, further altering access patterns to the downtown core. The reopening of the southern pedestrian tunnel offers a reprieve for pedestrians who have been unable to use that route during construction.
As the project enters its final months, the focus remains on completing the north side work while maintaining safety and coordination with Union Pacific Railroad. The end-of-2026 completion date appears achievable given the accelerated work schedule and additional resources deployed earlier this year.
The Center Street Underpass renovation represents a significant investment in Pocatello’s infrastructure, aimed at improving safety and accessibility for both drivers and pedestrians. The project’s success will depend on continued coordination between city officials, state agencies, and federal partners.