5/9/2012
Drilling to close Del Rio Bridge east of St. Anthony starting Monday (May 14)
RIGBY - Drilling will close the Del Rio Bridge on the U.S. 20 business loop east of St. Anthony between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. starting Monday (May 14), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Drilling is expected to be completed and the bridge reopened for daytime use by Friday evening (May 18).
Crews will drill into the earth near piers and abutments to determine structural (bearing) capacity of the ground in preparation for bridge replacement planned in 2014. Prior to constructing a bridge, the transportation department
gathers and tests samples of the subsurface materials to determine the
type of foundation needed, whether it be "spread footings" or steel
piles driven into bedrock.
The department will place portable electronic message boards on U.S. 20 to notify the public of next week's planned closure. Motorists may want to consider taking an alternative route to travel between North St. Anthony and 2600 East in Fremont County.
Drivers should watch for construction workers and equipment, and obey all traffic signs.