After several years of planning and months of construction, the redesigned Bannock Street corridor that runs through the heart of St. Luke's Boise Medical Center is now open for use to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. The work has transformed the Bannock corridor into a dynamic shared space. Construction on the one-block stretch from Avenue A to 1st Street began in late March 2019 and finished in July 2019.

The public process resulting in approval of St. Luke's Boise Master Plan included specifications for the redesign of the Bannock corridor. Developed through community workshops and the guidance of leading national experts from Toole Design Group, the resulting design is a shared Bannock corridor that can accommodate multiple modes of travel, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Shared streets are used around the world to provide inviting, comfortable outdoor spaces for people to walk and congregate, while at the same time allowing low-speed local bicycle and motor vehicle access.

While the new design accommodates all modes of transportation, it will also continue to reflect the needs of the St. Luke's community and provide safe, inviting spaces for employees, patients, and families who use this area as respite. The travel way is aligned farther north, which creates more open space and landscaped areas on the south side. Patients and families can seek privacy and solitude in more protected spaces, and the community is welcome to enjoy the area from one of the many benches.

With construction complete, St. Luke's and the City of Boise will work together with Toole Design Group and the community to test and evaluate the performance of the corridor.

A test period is particularly important as city planners evaluate safety, usage, bicycle speeds, potential conflict zones, and nearby traffic patterns with the new roundabout, cycle track, and improved intersections around the hospital. Following the test period and evaluation, Boise City Council will make the final decision on what modes of transportation are appropriate for the corridor.

Features

• Location: Between Avenue B and 1st Street
• Shared space friendly to multiple modes of travel: pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles
• 18-foot-wide two-way travel lane
• Removable bollards
• Public benches and seating
• Memorial Labyrinth

Timeline / Important Dates:

• Construction Began: April 2019
• Construction Completed: July 2019
• Corridor Open for Use: July 2019
• Hardscaping/landscaping Complete: Fall 2019
• Testing Period: Currently underway (extended due to COVID-19)