4/3/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Intermittent delays Monday and Tuesday for Weiser bridge replacement
BOISE - Motorists can expect slight delays during the day Monday and Tuesday (April 6-7) as girders are brought in for the Weiser bridge replacement project, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
There will be intermittent delays of up to 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as girders are placed on the Oregon side for the new bridge. Traffic will be stopped as girders are unloaded at the site.
The Snake River Bridge on the U.S. 95 Spur in Weiser is being replaced with a wider structure. The bridge connects Annex, Ore., to Weiser.
Crews built one half of the new bridge and switched traffic to that section Dec. 4, 2008. The old bridge is being demolished - it is about 70 percent done - and the other half of the new bridge will be built in its place.
Only one lane of traffic can safely pass over the new bridge section. To accommodate traffic crossing over the bridge in opposite directions, portable signals are being used.
The right and left ramps on the Idaho side of the bridge are closed. Traffic must follow the detour to access Old Highway 70. In addition, any vehicles 12 feet or wider and/or taller than 14 feet 2 inches will need to detour through Payette.
The original bridge was built in 1903, with an additional span added in 1911. Traffic signals were added in 1949. The bridge was replaced in the 1950s - that's the one being replaced in this project. Once completed, the bridge will be 16 feet wider and able to carry greater traffic volumes. The highway on both sides of the bridge also will be reconstructed.
New curb, gutter and sidewalks are being reconstructed on the Idaho side of the bridge.
The speed limit is reduced to 25 mph on the Oregon side of the bridge.
Sletten Construction of Boise is the contractor on this $10 million project. The project is expected to be completed in the fall. It originally was slated for completion in 2010, but crews are significantly ahead of schedule.
ITD and the Idaho State Police caution 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 information on the state highway or interstate system.