6/12/2008
Repairs planned next week on Topaz Bridge; reduced speed in effect
POCATELLO - Emergency repairs will be required on the Topaz Bridge, located on U.S. 30 between McCammon and Lava hot Springs, beginning Monday (June 16), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
A reduced speed limit of 25 mph is in effect on the bridge and within 500 feet of both ends. Legally loaded commercial trucks can continue to use the bridge, however, permitted over-legal and over-width loads must use a minor detour.
Preparation for the repairs will begin Monday, requiring the rerouting of west-bound passenger vehicles onto Old Oregon Trail Road for approximately three miles. East-bound passenger vehicles and east-bound and west-bound commercial trucks will be controlled by flaggers and will continue to use the bridge on U.S. 30.
The Topaz Bridge tentatively will be closed to all traffic from midnight Wednesday (June 18) to 6 a.m. Thursday (June 19) when crews are expected to pour concrete on a section of the bridge deck. The alternate route from Interstate 15 is U.S. 91 to Preston, north on Idaho 34 to U.S. 30, or follow the same route in reverse if traveling west.
An average of 2,950 cars and 1,290 commercial vehicles use the route daily. The Topaz Bridge is scheduled for replacement as part of the GARVEE Programs U.S. 30, McCammon to Soda Springs corridor.
For more information about the project consult the 511 Traveler Services Web site, 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1.