Boise State pauses tunnel work, starts science building prep

Walking routes across the Boise State University Quad will reopen this winter as construction crews remove fencing. The pause in steam tunnel replacement work restores direct paths for students and staff. Crews are currently laying new sod and pouring sidewalks to prepare the area for the cold months.

The university began this infrastructure project to replace aging pipes that heat and cool campus buildings. Fencing will return in spring 2027 for the final phase of construction. That next stage will finish the remaining sections of the tunnel. The project targets full completion in November 2027.

Activity will increase on the corner of Euclid, Belmont, and Grant avenues in late December. Survey crews and soil testing teams will begin site preparation for the new Science Research Building. This work includes geotechnical testing and locating underground utilities. The university submitted the site plan to the City of Boise in September. Groundbreaking for the building is scheduled for spring 2027, with an opening date set for fall 2029.

The Education Building will see continued work on its elevators through May 2027. Only one elevator will be out of service at a time, leaving two operational units for campus traffic. Contractors will replace thermostats and control systems in January and February 2027. These steps prepare the building for a full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning overhaul planned for late spring and summer 2027. Some classrooms and offices may move temporarily during the thermostat changes.

Interior improvements at the Leatherman Peak Building in south campus begin in early December. The project aims to expand office space for the Facilities Operations and Maintenance department. Construction will last until fall 2027. Fencing and sidewalk restrictions will appear along Belmont Avenue between Euclid and Manitou Avenues.

Campus Operations handles all four projects. Residents and students can ask questions through the Occupant Concerns Form on the Capital Renewal website. The Current Project Hub also lists updates on these and other ongoing works. The university stated that the tunnel work is a rare investment in campus heating and cooling systems.