Bannock County Courthouse to receive significant upgrades

POCATELLO — The Bannock County Courthouse campus will undergo significant improvements this fall that include new parking and expansion of Americans with Disabilities Act features.

Construction is set to begin on Aug. 14 and will cause temporary changes in parking and entrances until it is completed. One of the most significant changes will include transitioning the block of North Sixth Avenue between East Clark and East Center streets into a one-way street with diagonal parking.

Other improvements will include an extended ADA entrance to the courthouse, an ADA ramp in the front of the Elections Office and the addition of a covered gazebo to the area.

“These upgrades are truly needed,” said Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser. “The changes to North Sixth Avenue will provide more parking for patrons and improve the safety of pedestrians crossing the street. I’m also excited that the extension of the ADA entrance will protect our patrons entering the courthouse from the elements as they come through security.”

Once construction begins, the sidewalks on North Sixth Avenue will be closed along with the nearby ADA entrance until the project is completed. Bannock County representatives recommend to patrons needing ADA access to use the elevator entrance in the northwest parking lot of the courthouse. Additional assistance can be reached by calling 208-236-7499.

“The North Sixth Avenue entrance to the Elections Office is anticipated to be under construction during the upcoming election,” according to a recent Bannock County news release. “Voters are asked to follow directional signage and enter through the west entrance of the parking lot.”

Vin inspections are also expected to change temporarily at the Bannock County Department of Motor Vehicles with passenger vehicles routed to the parking lot by East Clark Street and larger vehicles such as semis and trailers to the shoulder of East Clark Street for their vin inspections.

The project is expected to continue through the remainder of 2024. Updates will be provided on the Bannock County Facebook page.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience during construction,” Moser said. “We’re excited about the renovations and how they will improve patrons’ experiences once they’re complete.”

CM Company is overseeing the project’s construction with Booth Architecture providing the design. The project is funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds.