Major Construction Project Disrupts Campus Commutes at Boise State

Repairs to nearly 100-year-old steam tunnels cause headaches for students and faculty

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast silkscreen print in neon colors depicting a repeated pattern of a campus scooter or bicycle, conceptually representing the disruptions caused by the steam tunnel construction project.The vibrant visual chaos of construction barriers and detours has become a familiar sight for Boise State students and faculty navigating the campus.Boise Today

Boise State University is undertaking a major construction project to repair and renew the nearly 100-year-old steam tunnel system that provides heating, cooling, and hot water across campus. The project, part of the university's $90 million Capital Renewal Program, is causing significant disruptions to campus commutes and access, with detours, noise, and obstructed views impacting students, faculty, and staff.

Why it matters

The steam tunnel system is a critical piece of campus infrastructure, but the necessary repairs have created challenges for the university community. While the long-term benefits of the project are clear, the short-term inconveniences are frustrating many on campus.

The details

The construction project, which began in the spring as temperatures rose to allow for the temporary shutdown of the heating and cooling systems, is expected to continue through mid-October. Crews are working in three phases to complete the repairs, with the current phase being the most disruptive. The project has caused detours, noise, and obstructed views, making it difficult for students to access study spots and commute around campus.

  • Construction began in spring 2026 as temperatures rose, allowing for the temporary shutdown of the heating and cooling systems.
  • The current phase of the project is expected to be the most disruptive, running through mid-October 2026.
  • Another phase is scheduled to begin in 2027, though the university expects the current phase to be the most disruptive.

The players

Drew Alexander

Vice president of campus operations at Boise State University, overseeing the steam tunnel repair project.

Jude Hicks

A junior at Boise State University who says the construction detours add three to four minutes to his daily commute.

Rebekah Parsons

A graduate student at Boise State University who broke her nose after colliding with an electric scooter rider while navigating the construction zone.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This project asks for a lot of campus.”

— Drew Alexander, Vice president of campus operations

“You can try to study, but it's pretty difficult. It is crazy loud.”

— Jude Hicks, Junior

“It sucks that we're all a little bit inconvenienced by it [the construction], but I prefer this to not having sidewalks that work. I prefer this to potholes — so I'm really not that beat up about it.”

— Rebekah Parsons, Graduate student

What’s next

The university expects the current phase of the steam tunnel repair project to be the most disruptive, with another phase scheduled to begin in 2027. Campus officials are working to minimize the impact on students, faculty, and staff, but acknowledge the short-term inconveniences.

The takeaway

While the long-term benefits of the steam tunnel repair project are clear, the short-term disruptions to campus life have been frustrating for the Boise State community. The university is balancing the need for critical infrastructure upgrades with the daily challenges faced by students, faculty, and staff navigating the construction zones.