Front and Myrtle streets are both major thoroughfares passing through some of the most vibrant parts of downtown Boise. They connect to major destinations in the city, including state and local government buildings, commercial areas, parks and residential neighborhoods. Because of the relatively high speed of traffic and the excessive width of the streets, local residents viewed them as unsafe for pedestrians.
ValleyRide, the transportation planning agency for the Boise metropolitan area, undertook the creation of a comprehensive plan for regional transit goals in 2003. A new pedestrian-friendly layout for the two streets was a key element. This new layout had several components. Among these were landscaping improvements including planting of trees, reduction of lane width to slow traffic speed, and crosswalk visibility improvements. Crosswalks were also enhanced by artistic designs to increase aesthetic attractiveness.
The project was finished in 2003, and is being used by ValleyRide as a model for future pedestrian improvements to major arterials.
Goal
Making Pedestrian Improvements to Downtown Boise