5/12/2006
Rainbow Bridge (Idaho 55) project begins on Monday (May 15)
BOISE - Work to rehabilitate the historic and often-photographed Rainbow Bridge on Idaho 55 north of Smiths Ferry will start on Monday (May 15). Mowat Construction Company of Washington is the contractor on this $2.9 million project.
One lane of Rainbow Bridge will be closed to traffic during work hours. The contractor will only work between noon Mondays and noon Fridays. Overlength trucks and vehicles wider than 10 feet will not be able to cross the bridge during work periods. Motorists with vehicles too long or wide to cross when the restrictions are in place should use U.S. 95 as an alternate or make the trip on a weekend.
The project is designed to preserve and protect the structure for future generations and improve safety for today's traveler. Crews will make improvements to the arch piers, bridge rail, floor beams, deck joints and columns of the bridge. Lane closures on the bridge will not occur on weekends, holidays or when scheduled community events will result in a considerable increase in traffic.
Impacts to rafting and kayaking traffic on the North Fork of the Payette River should be minimal.
The work is scheduled to be complete this fall.