POCATELLO — The city of Pocatello is investing millions of dollars in a series of infrastructure, safety and beautification projects throughout Historic Downtown, with several efforts already underway and others set to begin in the coming months.

The Idaho State Journal reported on several of the projects earlier this month, including the Center Street Underpass renovation, the Portneuf River Bridge replacement on West Benton Street, pedestrian bulb-out construction on South Main Street and the urban forestry grant work. The city's news release Wednesday provided updated funding figures and timelines across all active projects.

"These projects are investments in the future of Historic Downtown Pocatello," Mayor Mark Dahlquist said. "Through grant funding and partnerships, we are making improvements that will benefit our community for generations."

Here is where each project stands:

Center Street Underpass — The largest of the downtown projects, the $10.3 million renovation includes soldier pile shoring, repairs to bridge abutments, retaining wall construction, sidewalk improvements, updated tunnel entrances and a new pedestrian bridge on the west side of the tracks connecting the north and south sides of Center Street. Crews have completed footings and wall sections for the new sidewalk and retaining wall on the south side of the underpass, with concrete work expected next. Construction will then shift to the north side. Completion is targeted for the end of 2026. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson secured $5.7 million in federal funding for the project, with the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council providing the remainder and the city contributing a 7.34 percent local match.

Portneuf River Bridge on West Benton Street — The aging bridge over the Portneuf River is being replaced with a new concrete structure that includes pedestrian and utility improvements. Foundation preparation and test pile installation are underway, with bridge demolition anticipated in the coming weeks. The project is fully funded through a $2.27 million Leading Idaho Local Bridge Grant and is expected to be complete by September 2026.

Downtown Safety Improvement Project — Safety improvements along North Main Street, North Arthur Avenue and Flandro Drive include sidewalk bulb-outs, ADA-compliant curb ramps, raised medians and new sidewalks. Several intersections have already been completed, with additional work under construction. The $1.7 million project is funded through the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program, with the city providing a 7.34 percent local match. Completion is expected by August 2026.

Sidewalk Assessment, Repair and Replacement — Pocatello Regional Transit partnered with the city's Community Development Block Grant program to remove architectural barriers and hazards near downtown bus stops. Assessment and repairs are complete, with the replacement phase scheduled for fall 2026. The project is funded at $795,000 through the Federal Transit Authority and CDBG program, with full completion expected by spring 2027.

Urban Forestry Improvements — Tree removal, pruning and replanting efforts are underway in Historic Downtown, with new plantings replacing removed trees. The work is funded through a $1 million Urban and Community Forestry Grant awarded in 2023, supplemented by an additional $795,000 in 2026 funding. Tree work in the downtown core totaled $51,520. Replanting is ongoing, with completion expected fall 2026.

Dahlquist acknowledged the disruption the overlapping projects have caused.

"Having several major projects underway at the same time presents its own challenges, and we understand the temporary inconveniences they may cause," he said. "Many of these projects are tied to grant funding and strict deadlines, which resulted in several moving forward simultaneously this year. We appreciate the public's patience and understanding, and we're confident the improvements will be well worth the wait."

The city noted that grant funds are restricted to the specific projects for which they were awarded and cannot be redirected to other city services.