3/14/2008
Repair work on Kootenai River Bridge in Bonners Ferry begins April 7
BONNERS FERRY - Work leading to replacement of joint bearings on the Kootenai River Bridge in Bonners Ferry will begin April 7, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The bridge is located on U.S. 95 in downtown Bonners Ferry.
On April 9, the bridge will be raised from its supports in preparation for the main repair work. Raising and lowering will be done at night from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., during which time motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone.
Once the bridge is raised and supports put in place, crews will replace joint bearings at both ends of the bridge. This phase of work will take place during daytime hours. Portions of the bridge also will be repainted. Work is expected to be complete by mid-May.
The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. Workers may not be visible to motorists because much of the work will occur underneath the bridge. Drivers are reminded that the reduced speed will be in effect at all times. Message boards will be used to notify the public as they approach the work zone.
The contractor for this $825,000 project is Westway Construction from Spokane, Wash.