6/29/2015
Public invited to view final design July 7 in Sun Valley for Big Wood River Bridge to Elkhorn Road project
KETCHUM – A public open house will be held Tuesday (July 7) to gather comments on the proposed changes to Idaho 75 involving replacing the Big Wood River Bridge, south of Elkhorn Road, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sun Valley City Hall in the City Council Chambers (81 Elkhorn Road). Those interested in the project may drop in anytime during the session to view displays, provide comment and discuss the project with ITD and design-team representatives. Information also will be provided on the anticipated construction approach, schedule, and traffic control.
This is the second project to be developed as outlined in the Timmerman-to-Ketchum Final Environmental Impact Statement (Idaho 75 EIS) completed in August 2008. Design elements of the Big Wood River Bridge project are based on the Idaho 75 EIS concept plans. The project in planned for construction beginning in 2016. Some preliminary construction activities may begin this fall.
Proposed changes include replacement and widening the existing Big Wood River Bridge to four lanes with widened shoulders and a safety median. The project will blend the new bridge lane configuration to the existing four-lane sections north and south of the bridge. The signal and left-turn lane at Elkhorn Road will remain unchanged.
The final design includes improved wildlife passage under the bridge, addresses drainage in the area, and incorporates evaluation of various environmental issues. Those issues include wetlands, historic and cultural resources, noise and visual considerations.
If you have questions regarding the meeting or the project in general, please contact ITD project manager Steve Hunter at steve.hunter@itd.idaho.gov or by phone at 208-544-7909. Information on the project can also be found at http://itd.idaho.gov/Projects/D4Idaho75TimmermanToKetchum/bigwoodriverbridge.asp