Opening of new Broadway Bridge clears up 8-month traffic disruption; project was engineer’s ‘magnum opus’

The Broadway Bridge opens this morning in Boise, after construction that’s caused major traffic disruptions through the center of the city since January; motorists are breathing a sigh of relief, and the opening is just in time for BSU’s home opening football game this Saturday. The Idaho Statesman reports today that the lead designer of the new bridge, Ken Clausen, died in March; the 56-year-old engineer for ITD considered the project the masterpiece of his long Idaho career.

“As his co-workers can attest, he put a great deal of time and work into this design,” Eric Clausen, his son, told the newspaper. “This was his magnum opus. I would love Boise to know what a gift it has been given.”

Camron Sobotka, a draftsman and co-worker of Clausen’s, told Statesman reporter Anna Webb, “Ken was an amazing mentor and teacher for ITD’s bridge staff and consultant community.” He always included elements to enhance the way people experienced his designs; on the Broadway Bridge, one example is belvederes, or viewing platforms, that extend out over the Boise River on the new bridge. “Ken loved making Idaho beautiful through his bridge designs,” Sobotka said.

Webb’s full article, including more of Clausen’s story, is online here . The Statesman reported that Clausen’s surviving family members will attend this morning’s ceremony to mark the opening of the bridge. During this morning’s ceremony, the bridge will open to foot and bicycle traffic; by this afternoon, it’ll be fully open to traffic.