It may seem unbelievable to Boise newcomers that until a few years ago, 8th Street downtown was in some ways just another street with impatient drivers pushing through to get home from work.
The two blocks between Main and Bannock streets were popular then. But their popularity only grew after Boise closed them to cars during the COVID-19 pandemic , made them exclusively a pedestrian-and-bicyclist corridor, and allowed restaurants to expand into the sidewalks.
The blocks on any weeknight hum with conversation, laughter and diners spilling out of shops carrying plates filled with greasy potato pizza, Korean noodles or German pretzels .
They may be among most important blocks in Boise. Thousands of people walk or ride through them each week. Eighth Street downtown has become an icon of the vibrant city that leaders and residents want Boise to be.
Now, nearly four years after the closure, the city says the temporary changes will become permanent. The temporary orange barriers will go. Bike lane and pavement markings, no longer needed, will go too. Yellow tactile strips will be added underfoot at crossings to better alert people with vision impairments. Street crossings will be upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Pedestrian ramps and signals will be moved.