East End in Boise in Ada County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Crossing the River

A Mid-Century Bridge for Modern Times

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

1. Crossing the River Marker

Inscription. By the early 1950s, increased automobile traffic resulted in the need for a new bridge. In 1955, Smith and Milhollin, a local engineering firm, designed a new structure for the river crossing. Crews completed the bridge in record time in 1956, thanks to advances in construction methods. The structure was built as two separate bridges that were so closely aligned they appeared as one. The bridge featured the clean lines representative of mid-twentieth century design.

Erected by Idaho Transportation Department, Boise City of Trees, Boise City Dept of Arts & History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location. 43° 36.288′ N, 116° 11.62′ W. Marker is in Boise, Idaho, in Ada County. It is in East End. It is on South Broadway Avenue (U.S. 26), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boise ID 83702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Idaho’s Snake River Plain.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Crossing the River (here, next to this marker); First Protestant Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); Christ Chapel (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 700 feet away); Bronco Stadium (approx. ¼ mile away); Father of Bronco Football (approx. ¼ mile away); Bronco Gymnasium (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boise.

Other markers no longer nearby. Airmail Service (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Boise State University (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

2. Crossing the River Marker

Crossing the River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

3. Crossing the River

View of bridge traffic looking SW towards Boise State University

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.