Payette River Bridge replacement to start Monday (July 19)

BOISE - A project to improve the U.S. 95 bridge over the Payette River south of Payette is expected to begin Monday (July 19). Once construction has started, it is expected to take about two years to complete, finishing in Fall 2012.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will replace the existing northbound truss bridge (built in 1927) located on U.S. 95 between Fruitland and Payette. The bridge will have no overhead bracing or struts as the current one does and will be 84 feet in width, eliminating current safety concerns regarding both width and height restrictions.

The new bridge will be constructed next to, and will attach to, the existing southbound bridge. The project also includes minor roadway realignment to tie into the new bridge location.

U.S. 95 is the main route connecting northern and southern Idaho. About 18,000 vehicles use this portion of the highway daily. By 2026, the volume is expected to be more than 25,000.

Traffic will utilize the southbound bridge while the new bridge is built. Traffic will then be switched to the new bridge while modifications to the southbound bridge are made and it is connected to the new bridge.

JC Constructors Inc. of Meridian is the contractor for this $6.17 million project.