Pocatello Reopens Hiline Road at Pearl and El Rancho With New Traffic Signal

POCATELLO — The intersection of Hiline Road, Pearl Street and El Rancho Boulevard in Pocatello, Idaho, is open to traffic again. The City of Pocatello announced Nov. 6, 2026 that final paving is complete on the Hiline Road and Signalization Improvement Project, with crews still in the area for minor finishing work.

Construction began in July 2026. Over about four months, crews built roadway and signal improvements meant to make the busy intersection safer and keep traffic moving. The full intersection closed starting Monday, Nov. 2, for final roadway preparation and paving, according to an earlier city update.

What changed at Hiline Road, Pearl Street and El Rancho Boulevard

According to the city, the Hiline Road project replaces the old four-way stop with a traffic signal, adds turn lanes, widens portions of Hiline Road, improves storm drainage, and upgrades sidewalks and pedestrian ramps. Pedestrian access stayed open throughout construction.

How the Hiline Road project was paid for

Design cost about $164,000. The city contributed about $14,000, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money and grants covered the remaining $150,000. Construction is fully funded by a $2 million Strategic Initiatives Grant from the Idaho Transportation Department's Local Transportation Grant Program, which required no local match.

The city says the work is part of its effort to build a safer, more accessible and better-connected transportation network under its Comprehensive Plan 2040. More city construction updates are on the City of Pocatello projects page.

More Pocatello road work this fall

Other city projects are wrapping up too. The new Portneuf River bridge on West Benton Street is expected back open to traffic in mid-November, and the Center Street underpass by the end of the year, weather permitting. Read our earlier story on the Center Street underpass and Benton Street bridge.

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