12/2/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
New bridge at Scorpion Creek planned next summer for Idaho 78 in Owyhee County
OWYHEE COUNTY - A new, wider bridge is planned for Scorpion Creek on Idaho 78 in Owyhee County, with construction expected to begin next summer.
The new concrete slab bridge will replace three corrugated metal culverts that run under the roadway at milepost 23. One culvert is completely plugged, and the other two are more than halfway filled with sediment from the creek. Water runs over the highway at that location during periods of high water, creating a safety hazard.
The new bridge, about six miles northwest of Murphy, will accommodate much higher water, and the roadway elevation will also be raised about two feet. The roadway approaches will also be reconstructed to match the new height and the wider bridge.
Click here for a picture of the culverts that will be replaced in the project, and a map of the location.
One lane of traffic will be maintained across the bridge during construction, controlled by a temporary traffic signal. Flaggers will be used when needed.
The west side of the bridge will be built first, then the east side.
The existing culverts will be removed as needed to build the new bridge while still allowing for water flow.