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Planned bridge replacement mentioned in national publication

A project to replace the bridge over the East Fork Salmon River in Custer County recently received mention in a national publication.

The current issue of “Innovator,” a newsletter of the Federal Highway Administration in Washington, D.C., reported that ITD will replace the bridge “entirely with precast concrete bridge elements.

“Construction time is limited at this remote location because of weather, and using precast elements will eliminate at least one construction season and one winter shutdown compared to conventional construction, as well as improve safety and quality.”

ITD also will replace another bridge situated over the Salmon River about 200 yards upstream of the East Fork Bridge as part of the project. The bridges are 18 miles southwest of Challis on Idaho 75.

“It is nice to know that agencies outside Idaho study our innovations,” ITD Director Brian Ness said. “Innovation is especially important in challenging economic times.”

The project is planned for 2013 using federal funds awarded to ITD for innovations in contracting. The Federal Highway Administration awarded ITD $1.3 million for the precast-elements project.

Photo: Salmon River Bridge near the East Fork Salmon River Bridge. It will be replaced as part of the project.