4/28/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Less restrictive load limits for Idaho 55 Cascade bridge
CASCADE - A bridge on Idaho 55 at the north end of Cascade will be posted with new, less restrictive load limits today (Monday, April 28), replacing restrictions that had been in place for the bridge since March 24. The restrictions will protect the bridge and roadway until the structure can be replaced in a few years.
Click here for a picture of the bridge, built in 1950.
Click here for a picture of the new load-restriction sign.
Regular passenger vehicles can cross the bridge as usual, though.
Signs will go up today indicating the new restrictions. Electronic message signs and warning signs will be used to indicate the change, written correspondence will be directed to all area commercial permit holders, and the ITD Ports of Entry system will also be used to alert drivers. The nearest POE is located at the northern end of Horseshoe Bend on Idaho 55.
“This will allow cattle haulers taking cattle to spring pasture to safely cross the bridge,” said ITD southwest Idaho engineering operations manager Jason Brinkman. “It will also benefit the gravel haulers taking product from north to south across the bridge, and the many other commercial interests who access the bridge daily.”
RADIO: Click here for a sound bite from Brinkman.
The bridge, at milepost 116, is about three miles north of the bridge recently replaced. It was built in 1950. The bridge’s substructure is in need of improvement, and is suffering from deterioration and corrosion, according to the recent Idaho Transportation Department inspection.
ITD conducted an above-water bridge inspection in May 2013 and an underwater inspection in September of 2013. The bridge will be re-inspected, above and below water, this year.
Any compliance questions can be directed to ITD’s Southwest Idaho maintenance office at (208) 334-8350.