Untitled Document

Work progressing ahead of schedule
on replacing Snake River Bridge at Weiser

District 3 first reported a few months ago on the project to replace a bridge on U.S. 95 over the Snake River in Weiser – a crossing that has been in place since the original bridge was built in 1903.

Following that, an additional span was added in 1911, and traffic signals came in 1949. In the 1950s, the bridge was replaced. By this fall, a new structure will connect Annex, Ore., to Weiser.

The project to replace the bridge on the U.S. 95 Spur heading into Weiser started last March. In March, a boater from Fruitland failed to safely navigate the waters, and the orange buoys and cables returned to the water as crews from Sletten Construction of Boise work on the $10 million project.

Motorists were switched from the old bridge to a new section of the rebuilt bridge Dec. 4. Only one lane of traffic can safely cross the new bridge section. To accommodate traffic on the single lane across the bridge, portable signals were installed.

Demolition of the old bridge is complete. Removal of the old girders, piers and abutments continues, along with constructing the new bridge.

Once completed, the new bridge in Washington County will be 16 feet wider and capable of carrying greater traffic volumes. New curb, gutter and sidewalks also are being reconstructed on the Idaho side of the bridge.

The project is proceeding ahead of schedule – completion wasn’t expected until 2010, but crews have been able to shave about six months off the projected timeframe.

Photos: Work continues on the new Snake River bridge near Weiser (above). It will replace a 1940s bridge (bottom photo).