10/22/2008
Emergency repairs planned on I-86 bridge near American Falls
POCATELLO - Emergency repairs are expected to begin next month on the Interstate 86 bridge at the American Falls Interchange, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The concrete structure was damaged Sept. 25 when a truck hauling a wind turbine tower on I-86 failed to make it under the span. ITD will accept bids to replace the western girder over the eastbound lanes at milepost 40.
Bids on the girder replacement will be opened Oct. 28, and repairs could begin as early as Nov. 4. To expedite the project, ITD will acquire a pre-stressed girder from Teton Precast in Idaho Falls. It will be available for delivery by Nov. 5.
Exit 40 will be closed when contractors work on deck replacement. Two nighttime closures of eastbound I-86 lanes may be required one for removal of the damaged girder and another for installation of the new pre-stressed girder. Closures would take place only between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Partial I-86 closures also may be necessary. Closure times will be announced when information becomes available.
ITD expects the repair project to be completed before Thanksgiving (Nov. 27). The construction contract includes monetary incentives for completing the project ahead of the Nov. 26 deadline.
For information about construction activities on state highways and interstates in Idaho, visit the 511 Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dial 511 from within Idaho.