8/4/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Closure for Killebrew Drive Aug. 15-17 on Payette River Bridge project
PAYETTE – Killebrew Drive will be closed for several days starting Aug. 15 in Payette for the ongoing Payette River Bridge replacement project, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The closure, from Aug. 15-17, is necessary to build Killebrew Drive up to its new elevation level with U.S. 95. Traffic will be unable to access U.S. 95 from Killebrew or turn from U.S. 95 onto Killebrew during that time. No detour will be posted, but the closure only affects a handful of residences.
Emergency responders, local law enforcement and local postal service have been notified of the pending closure.
Crews are replacing the existing northbound truss bridge (built in 1927) located on U.S. 95 between Fruitland and Payette. The new bridge will be two feet higher off the water. It will have no overhead bracing or struts as the current one does and will be 84 feet in width, eliminating current safety concerns regarding both width and height restrictions.
The new bridge will be constructed next to, and will attach to, the existing southbound bridge. The project also includes minor roadway realignment to tie into the new bridge location.
U.S. 95 is the main route connecting northern and southern Idaho. About 18,000 vehicles use this portion of the highway daily. By 2026, the volume is expected to be more than 25,000. The bridge replacement project is expected to finish in summer 2012.
JC Constructors Inc., of Meridian, is the contractor for this $6.17 million project.