Perimeter Drive closes Aug. 31 for bridge replacement
Project will improve public safety and address flooding risks at U of I’s western campus entrance
August 26, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, University of Idaho’s western campus entrance at Perimeter Drive and State Highway 8 will close to all traffic for construction to replace the bridge. The full closure is expected to last until May 2027.
Recent flooding highlighted the vulnerability of the aging bridge and surrounding creek corridor. Replacing the bridge now will improve public safety and avoid increased construction risks from seasonal weather and rising creek flows later this year. The project is funded through the State of Idaho’s Deferred Maintenance Initiative.
Motorists should plan ahead and follow posted detours. SMART Transit routes will be adjusted. Detours will direct traffic to alternate campus routes, including Stadium Drive and Line Street. Nez Perce Drive remains closed but is expected to reopen the first week of September, restoring a primary east-west connection through campus and helping ease traffic impacts from the bridge project.
Parking along Perimeter Drive adjacent to Guy Wicks Field will remain available during the bridge replacement. Paradise Path will be closed at the bridge. Pedestrian traffic will be routed to the north side of State Highway 8.
View the interactive campus map at go.uidaho.edu/campus-map for updated information about roads and parking lots closed during construction.
Media contact
Danae Lenz
External Communications Coordinator
208-885-1605
dlenz@uidaho.edu