5/6/2008
Kootenai River Bridge repairs begin Monday (May 12) in Bonners Ferry
BONNERS FERRY - Work leading to the replacement of joint bearings on the Kootenai River Bridge in Bonners Ferry will begin Monday (May 12), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Repairs originally were scheduled to begin in April but were postponed because of delays in the delivery of parts.
The bridge, located on U.S. 95, will be raised from its supports Monday in preparation for the main repair work. Raising and lowering will be done between 11 p.m. and 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 are put into place, crews will replace joint bearings at both ends of the bridge. This phase of work will occur during daytime hours. Portions of the bridge also will be repainted. Work is expected to be complete by late June.
The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. The reduced speed will be in effect for the duration of the project. ITD reminds drivers that speed violations in work zones carry enhanced fines. Workers may not be visible to motorists because much of the work will occur under the bridge. Message boards will be used to notify motorists as they approach the work zone.
The contractor for this $825,000 project is Westway Construction of Spokane.
ITD and the Idaho State Police warn motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for construction information on the state highway or interstate system.