9/26/2005
Traffic on damaged I-15 overpass to be one-way all winter
RIGBY - Damage to the North Church Farm Road overpass on I-15 in Bonneville County has prompted closure of one lane of traffic over the structure until next spring, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Traffic across the overpass at milepost 121 north of Idaho Falls (49th North) has been narrowed to one way on the north side of the structure. Concrete guardrail has been placed to keep vehicles off the damaged side of the overpass. Signs have been posted to alert drivers to the one-way traffic.
A backhoe being hauled on the back of an Idaho Fish and Game Department truck hit a prestressed concrete girder on the underside of the overpass Friday afternoon.
The lane closure will remain in effect through the winter until weather allows the needed repairs. Transportation department engineers determined the overpass is structurally sound. The one-way traffic is a precaution to ensure the safety of the traveling public and to protect the overpass from further damage.