Idaho

Transportation Department

8/21/2009






Earthmoving work to begin Monday (Aug. 24) on Dover Bridge project

COEUR D'ALENE - Construction of a new Dover Bridge gets underway Monday (Aug. 24) as contractor crews begin earthmoving work on the project.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises that work will include hauling material from a nearby gravel source to the project site. Motorists can expect brief, intermittent delays as traffic is stopped to accommodate trucks moving to and from the project site. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone area.

 

The current bridge is a 295-foot trestle bridge built during the 1930s and is now the most restrictive bridge on U.S. 2 through Idaho. Its deteriorated condition has forced the transportation department to impose height, width and weight restrictions on the bridge. The speed limit also has been reduced to 25 mph over the bridge for safety. These factors have essentially created a severe constriction on this important east-west route through northern Idaho, affecting commerce and public safety.

It will be replaced with a 72-foot-wide steel bridge. The highway will be realigned and includes improved access into the city of Dover. The project will accommodate future expansion of U.S. 2 west of the existing highway bridge that spans the Union Pacific railroad to Rocky Point Road east of the bridge. A bicycle/pedestrian trail is included in the project.

The prime contractor for this $22 million project is Sletten Construction Co., of Great Falls, Mont.

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.