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Construction of North Fork Payette Bridge near Cascade begins in April

Reconstruction of the North Fork Payette Bridge along Idaho 55, north of Cascade, will begin in mid-April and wrap up this fall.

During construction, one lane will be open in each direction and the speed limit will remain at the posted limit of 35 mph. Construction is scheduled Monday through Thursday, with work suspended on Fridays at noon, and weekends.

Features of the new bridge include two, 12-foot-wide traffic lanes, bike lanes, raised sidewalks and bridge approaches in either direction.The project will replace the existing bridge, built in 1950, to meet current standards for design loads and widths. Previously implemented load restrictions will be fully lifted with construction of the new bridge.

“We’re extremely pleased that ITD has moved this particular bridge replacement up on its construction timeline,” said Cascade Mayor Rob Terry. “If this bridge were to shut down, it would cause a significant disruption in the flow of both tourists and homeowners, and a corresponding monetary hit to the local economies.”

Record Steel & Construction Inc., of Boise, is the general contractor. The contract amount is $4.8 million.

ITD encourages drivers to plan ahead and pay attention in the work zone.