An east Boise section of the Penitentiary Canal Greenbelt from Warm Springs Avenue, near Shakespeare Way, to Diversion Dam is expected to re-open on June 22nd, officials said. The section has been closed for construction since last fall.
“Phase One of the project was completed according to schedule in March. The open ditch known as the Penitentiary Canal that ran parallel to the former Greenbelt Pathway has now been replaced with 1.5 miles of 36-inch and 42-inch buried pipe with backfill -- and the pipe is currently delivering irrigation water from Diversion Dam,” said Ada County spokeswoman Kate McGwire in a news release. “This piping enables Ada County to widen the Greenbelt significantly for public safety and enjoyment. Additional designated access points for future use have been developed as well.”
Phase Two is currently underway. This project involves grading and base preparation of the new pathway, including a much wider surface, McGwire explained. “The new pathway corridor will include an 11-foot wide asphalt pathway with centerline striping and two-foot wide compacted gravel recovery shoulders on each side.”
Citizens are advised to avoid this specific area of the Greenbelt, until the project is completed. “It’s an active construction zone and is not safe for public entry. No official detours are available due to roadway restrictions so (we’re telling Greenbelt users to) please turn around at all barriers,” McGwire said.
