Idaho

Transportation Department

9/27/2007






Second overpass collision on I-84 in Jerome County
SHOSHONE  - For the second time in two months an Interstate 84 overpass structure in the Magic Valley has been damaged by a commercial vehicle - this time closing one lane of the interstate and requiring replacement of several of the structure's girders, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

 

The damaged structure is located near milepost 189, about one mile east of the Valley Road Interchange, and provides passage under I-84 at 1900 East Road in Jerome County. It was hit on Saturday, Sept. 22, when a semi truck hauling a forklift scraped across the bottom of both overpass bridges with the forklift.

 

After an inspection of the damaged girders of the eastbound bridge, it was determined that three girders will need to be replaced. The impact did no other damage to the structure which remains safe for travel. The left lane over the structure will remain closed until repairs can be completed. A timeline for repairs has not been determined. Limited damage was done to the westbound overpass.

The incident follows an Aug. 3 collision of a truck with the westbound overpass at milepost 197, which is about three miles west of the Kasota Road Interchange.

 

The incident raises concerns about awareness of load heights before passing below any overpass or other structure. The legal height for all vehicles without an overlegal permit is 14 feet, which includes the height of the load. The bridge struck on Saturday is posted with a 15 foot clearance sign. Drivers are encouraged to inspect all loads and know the overpass clearances along the intended route prior to moving any load.