12/8/2016
Replacement of U.S. 20 bridge at Stanton Crossing in southwest Blaine County begins Monday (Dec. 12)
SHOSHONE – Bridge work in Blaine County continues with the reconstruction of a second structure over the Big Wood River. Replacement of the bridge along U.S. 20 in southwest Blaine County, also known as Stanton
Crossing, is expected to begin on Monday (Dec. 12). The existing bridge, built in 1956, is considered structurally
deficient and carries an average of 1,500 vehicles each day.
The project will reconstruct and widen the bridge at milepost 176 (about two miles west of Timmerman Junction), reconstruct the adjacent roadway, and realign the highway access at the Stanton Crossing campground. With a short window to complete work before spring runoff begins to fill the Big Wood River in several months, the first stage of construction to replace the bridge will quickly move into the river channel to begin installation of a center pier and abutments on the river’s edge.
The first stage of construction will build the northern half of the bridge and is expected to be complete by mid-summer 2017. Construction of the southern half will begin with work in the river channel starting in July. Final roadway paving and project completion is expected by the end of 2017.
When complete, the new structure will be longer (274 feet long vs. 237 feet) and wider (43 feet wide vs. 32 feet) than the current bridge. It will also have wider shoulders and provide for additional river
clearance and stabilize the river bank.
Crews plan to close one access to the Stanton Crossing campground and improve the other existing access by reconstructing the approach, realigning the county roadway and campground loop.
During construction, traffic will be limited to a single lane through the construction zone, with temporary traffic signals controlling movements. A 35-mph speed limit and a 14-foot width restriction will be in effect for the duration of the work.
Concrete Placing Company Inc., of Boise, is the contractor for the $3.7 million project.