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Excavation work begins on Dover Bridge

Construction of a new Dover Bridge began Aug. 24 as contractor’s crews started excavation on the project. Work will include hauling material from a nearby gravel source to the project site.

Motorists can expect brief, intermittent delays as traffic is stopped to accommodate trucks moving to and from the project site. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone area.

The existing structure is a 295-foot trestle bridge built during the 1930s and is now the most restrictive bridge on U. S. 2 through Idaho. Its deteriorated condition has forced the transportation department to impose height, width and weight restrictions on the bridge.

The speed limit also has been reduced to 25 mph over the bridge for safety. The factors essentially created a severe constriction on the important east-west route through northern Idaho, affecting commerce and public safety.

The Dover Bridge will be replaced with a 72-foot-wide steel bridge. The highway will be realigned and includes improved access into the city of Dover. The project will accommodate future expansion of U.S. 2 west of the existing highway bridge that spans the Union Pacific railroad to Rocky Point Road east of the bridge. A bicycle/pedestrian trail is included in the project.

The prime contractor for the $22 million project is Sletten Construction Co., of Great Falls, Mont.