9/10/2014
Additional northbound lane to be added to Big Wood River bridge
KETCHUM – With construction of Idaho 75 near its conclusion and normal operation of the roadway near, one additional step to improve traffic flow through the Wood River Valley will be put in place. A second north-bound lane across the Big Wood River Bridge south of Ketchum will be added next week, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
When striping is completed on the 3.25-mile Timber Way to Big Wood River Bridge project, the roadway markings will extend north across the bridge and align with the current striping near Elkhorn Road. Southbound traffic will maintain its current configuration of one lane across the bridge. The striping throughout the project is expected to take place beginning Monday, Sept. 15.
The Big Wood River Bridge is wide enough for three 12-foot lanes, but was never considered in the past with fewer than three lanes south of the structure.
ITD presented the option of a third lane to the Blaine County Transportation Committee at its monthly meeting on Thursday. ITD requested input about whether a third lane was desired at this time and which direction was preferred. After receiving input from members of the committee and the Wood River Valley community, more people believed the additional lane would be of greater benefit for northbound traffic.
“We appreciated all the feedback we received from the public,” ITD Resident Engineer Justin Price said. “We received several additional comments and suggestions from the public that can be taken into consideration on future projects.”
Due to limited budget and remaining schedule of the current construction project, no additional options were considered. All traffic-impacting activities within the current project are expected to be completed by Sept. 25 with seeding of the shoulder to continue into October.
The third lane will be a short-term condition as the Big Wood River bridge is scheduled to be replaced beginning in late 2016 or early 2017. During that construction project, only two lanes of traffic are expected across the bridge while half of the new structure is constructed at the same location. The bridge is expected to take 18-24 months to construct.