The city of Pocatello is partnering with the Local Highway Safety Improvement Program and will soon begin construction on two safety projects aimed at enhancing pedestrian and roadway safety.

Construction will begin in this week, weather and other unforeseen circumstances permitting, and focus on North Main Street, North Arthur Avenue and Flandro Drive. The city estimates an August completion for both projects, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances permitting.

The first project will improve pedestrian crossings along North Main Street and North Arthur Avenue in Historic Downtown Pocatello. Enhancements will include sidewalk bulb-outs — extensions that narrow the roadway and shorten crossing distances — as well as curb ramps that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The city said these upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to improve walkability and increase safety for pedestrians and drivers in the downtown area.

The second project will focus on safety improvements at the intersection of Flandro Drive and East Quinn Road. Work will include installation of a raised concrete median, upgraded signage and new sidewalk sections with ADA-compliant curb ramps. These improvements are designed to reduce congestion and minimize vehicle conflicts, particularly those involving left-turn movements.

The Local Highway Safety Improvement Program is a federally funded program focused on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on local roadways by improving visibility and decreasing pedestrian exposure to traffic.

As required by the grant, the city of Pocatello has included a 7.34% local match in its fiscal year 2026 budget.

Temporary lane closures are anticipated at both locations. The city is asking drivers to plan for additional travel time, consider alternative routes when possible and expect potential traffic delays.