Replacement of old Enterprize Canal Bridge near Ririe finishes early
Contractor Knife River Corporation completed removal and replacement of the old Enterprize Canal Bridge on U.S. 26B one-third of a mile southwest of Ririe.
The project was originally scheduled for three weeks in duration, but took just one week. Removal of the old bridge (built in 1931) began Dec. 14 and placement of the new prefabricated structure proceeded quickly. The route will reopen Dec. 19.
Approaches to the new bridge will be graded in the spring when the frozen ground thaws. Guardrail also will be installed. Until then, the posted speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph.
The new bridge will be 60 feet wide, eliminating a bottleneck and allowing commercial traffic to flow freely without weight or capacity restrictions.
Installation of guardrail along the shoulders of the road on each side of the new bridge also will improve safety, preventing motorists from running into the canal.
The transportation department awarded the $305,000 construction contract to Knife River's southern Idaho division, based in Boise.
The cost of the bridge replacement is being funded by user-fee increases approved by the Idaho Legislature in House Bill 312a earlier this year. These increases will finance five projects in eastern Idaho (see attached map) in 2015 and 2016.
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