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Districts come together
to patch interstate bridge

After months of preparation with multiple delays and last-minute changes, crews were finally able to repair the Interstate 15 Blackfoot bridge. After years of temporary patches to fill in potholes and disintegrating concrete, crews from several different districts came together as one big team to help fix the bridge and pull off one of the biggest traffic-control plans ITD has ever done internally.

Crews had to sandblast and resurface the bridge deck, replace guardrail and complete other much-needed shoulder work. This repair project temporarily fixed the bridge until we begin a full bridge deck rehab project in the summer of 2020.

In early October, crews shut down northbound I-15, and southbound I-15 was temporarily shut down a week later. Crews worked diligently and fluidly to complete the project a day early on each side. It was no easy task, but crews made it happen and it couldn’t have gone any smoother.

Originally scheduled for September, the bridge work had been delayed a few times due to project complications and local concerns. Coordinating with the community and local politicians regarding the bridge work and road closures, ITD crews accommodated the holidays and harvest. By working with the community so closely and openly, the project was incredibly successful and well received by many.

Numerous districts and crews from all over came to help, so the traffic control was also a key part to the success of this project. Spearheading the plans, D5 Blackfoot TTOs Jared Loosli and Rocky Messick were able to successfully pull off one of the largest internal traffic control jobs.

Nearly 10 miles of traffic control setup was required, with crossovers, road closures, barricades and numerous flaggers. The crews set the speed limit to 55 mph, and with law enforcement playing a huge role in transitioning and patrolling travelers, the project did not have any crashes…a few close calls but no crashes!

Crews provided 24-hour coverage while traffic control was in effect. By closing each side of the interstate down and having effective traffic control, not only were crews able to get done faster, but it also was significantly safer. Crews felt safer and it gave them the extra confidence that we have their back.

The project was a huge success, with a few "lessons learned" for the guys to take back for future projects. Examples were learning to use bigger bases for the candlesticks so they don’t blow over as often, and to adjust southbound exit ramps for an easier and clearer transition for drivers.

“It was impressive to see the success of taking one project, bringing in so many people from different areas and working so well together,” said Loosli. “It just goes to show that if we’re asked to do big things, we can make it happen!”