5/7/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 75 bridge replacement east of Stanley begins Monday (May 10)
SHOSHONE - Summer traffic on both Idaho 75 and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River will see construction of a new bridge spanning the river near Slate Creek beginning Monday (May 10), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The new bridge will have two bridge piers located at water's edge and will improve recreational opportunity and address environmental concerns. Currently, three bridge piers are located in the Salmon River.
Construction of the new bridge will not directly affect highway traffic for about a year, but may hamper boat traffic for two years.
Located about 24 miles east of Stanley and 32 miles west of Challis, the new bridge will be constructed adjacent to the existing bridge at milepost 213. Traffic will be able to use the existing bridge during construction. Recreational traffic on the Salmon River also may be affected with potential closures and delays for boaters floating the river.
Construction of the new Slate Creek Bridge and demolition of the existing structure will take two construction seasons to complete. Crews will begin construction of the bridge abutments this spring and begin the bridge piers in July. Crews will not complete the construction of the bridge decks and roadway approaches until spring and summer of 2011.
Transitioning traffic to the new bridge is expected by July 2011 and demolition of the old bridge complete by September 2011.
The existing 314-foot bridge, constructed in 1934, is showing signs of deterioration and is a vital link to east/west travel in Custer County.
Wadsworth Brothers Construction of Draper, Utah is the contractor for the $4.9 million project. Drivers are reminded to obey traffic control signs in the area and watch for potential traffic delays. Boaters will be notified of delays and closures at launch sites and by river-side signs whenever planned work will extend over the water.
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.