2/26/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Emmett's Payette River Bridge to be improved beginning March 16
BOISE - The bridge deck of the Payette River Bridge on Idaho 52 in Emmett will be improved in a project expected to start March 16, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
An inch and a half of the old surface will be removed, with two inches of new concrete added to the surface. This thicker, more dense surface material can extend the life of the bridge significantly.
One lane of traffic will be maintained across the bridge during the project. Flaggers will guide motorists initially, but temporary signals on both the north and south ends of the bridge will be used to control traffic for the remainder of the project.
The existing bridge was built in 1971. Over time, the effects of age, traffic and road salts from de-icing in the winter have contributed to a deterioration of the concrete on the deck surface. The other parts of the bridge (such as girders and piers) are still in good condition.
Braun-Jensen of Boise is the contractor on this $375,000 project, which is expected to be finished early this summer.