East Parkcenter Bridge Project

 

For many of us who live in Southeast Boise, the new East Park Center Bridge has been an unsettling issue.  What we have found in watching the project unfold is much different than some of the doom and gloom predictions that many of the opponents had suggested.  The actual construction, which began in April of 2008, has progressed quite smoothly with little noise, few traffic interruptions and minimal dust and debris.  The structure itself appears to be well designed to handle pedestrian, bicycle, and, of course, automobile traffic while maintaining a low profile and a minimal environmental footprint.  The project is on schedule, we understand, and is to be complete this November.

One of the biggest concerns about the project is the effect it will have on Park Center traffic.  While it is too early to know, it is worth mentioning that we have seen only a minimal increase in traffic while Warm Springs Avenue has been completely shut down these past six weeks as the north side intersection of the bridge, Starview Drive, Barber and Highway 21 are realigned.  With the installation of traffic lights and other traffic calming features, we believe the post completion traffic count will not significantly affect our neighborhood.

Our view is that any negative effect increased traffic might have on our area is going to be offset by the positive impact Bown Crossing has brought and continues to bring.  What a great thing to be able to walk to restaurants, shops and professional services.  You only have to take a child or grandchild to Powell’s to be hooked!  We love living off ParkCenter Boulevard with the bike path and greenbelt on either side of us and think the bridge will have little or no long term effect on the lifestyle we enjoy in our neighborhood.

Follow responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.