Navigating Chinden Boulevard can be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly at 43rd Street. The busy five-lane road and limited safe crossing points create a significant barrier between Boise Bench and the Greenbelt. To improve connectivity and safety, a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) crossing is proposed for Chinden Boulevard at 43rd Street. This project aims to make 43rd Street a safer and more accessible route for everyone.
Map showing the project area for the 43rd Street and Chinden Boulevard pedestrian and bicycle crossing, highlighting the connection between Boise Bench and the Greenbelt.
This new crossing at 43rd Street is designed to significantly enhance connectivity for those walking and biking, linking Boise’s West Bench neighborhoods more directly to the Greenbelt and surrounding areas. By creating a low-stress alternative to busy roads like Curtis Road and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway, the 43rd Street crossing will encourage more people to choose walking and cycling. The area around 43rd Street is also home to important community locations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Anser Charter School, and Future Public School, making a safer crossing crucial for families and students. Furthermore, the vibrant wineries, cafes, and restaurants in Garden City, just north of Chinden Boulevard, will become more easily accessible to everyone.
Project History and Timeline
The need for a safer crossing at this location has been recognized for some time. The 43rd Street crossing project has been identified in multiple planning initiatives, reflecting a long-term commitment to improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure in this area. The project is currently federally funded, with construction planned for 2025, promising a tangible improvement to the 43rd Street and Chinden Boulevard intersection in the near future.
Timeline of the 43rd Street pedestrian crossing project, illustrating its development through various planning phases.
Proposed Design Features for 43rd Street Crossing
The design for the 43rd Street crossing prioritizes safety and visibility for all users. Renderings illustrate the planned improvements, showcasing the transformation of the intersection.
Existing view of Chinden Boulevard at 43rd Street looking southeast, showing current traffic conditions before the pedestrian crossing implementation.
Rendering of the proposed pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing at 43rd Street and Chinden Boulevard, showing improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Bird's-eye view rendering of the 43rd Street crossing project, illustrating the pedestrian hybrid beacon, raised median, and crosswalk striping for enhanced safety.
Key elements of the 43rd Street crossing design include:
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon for Enhanced Safety
The PHB system is central to the design, providing a signalized crossing that will stop traffic in both directions on Chinden Boulevard, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely at 43rd Street.
Raised Median for Refuge and Conflict Reduction
A raised median will be installed to offer a safe refuge for those crossing, and to reduce conflicts between vehicles turning and those crossing, further enhancing safety at the 43rd Street intersection.
High-Visibility Crosswalk Striping
To ensure motorists are aware of the crossing, high-visibility striping will be used. Green paint will be applied to the bike lane crossing, increasing visibility and clearly delineating the space for cyclists and pedestrians at 43rd Street.
This project at 43rd Street represents a significant step towards creating a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly Boise. Public comment is welcomed to ensure the design effectively meets community needs and enhances safety for everyone using 43rd Street.
