Condition of temporary bridge raises concerns

As the Idaho Transportation Department inches toward completion of the $1.4 million bridge replacement project on U.S. Highway 95 spanning Four Mile Creek near Viola, residents have expressed concern over the state of the temporary bridge erected at the site.

Throughout the summer, traffic on Highway 95 has been rerouted across the temporary bridge, with each lane of travel taking turns crossing with the aid of an automated traffic signal since at least mid-July. Those crossing Four Mile Creek may notice the bridge deck appears to consist of loosely secured, rough hewn planks, causing vehicles to judder and shake, slowing traffic to a crawl.

While the temporary bridge may seem a little worse for wear, ITD Spokesman Reed Hollinshead said it is being closely monitored by both on-site inspectors and construction staff.

"The load rating of the bridge is the same load rating as is utilized by new bridges constructed around the state. It is actually a higher load rating than the load rating of the bridge it is replacing," Hollinshead said. "Construction inspection and bridge construction staff are on the job site nearly continually and inspect the bridge on a daily basis."

While Hollinshead acknowledges the ride across is "a little rough," he said the bridge is safe and will continue to be regularly inspected and maintained until work is complete and the temporary crossing is no longer needed. He said work is scheduled to be completed in mid-October.

There are other methods to reroute traffic for bridge replacement projects, such as constructing the new bridge one half at a time, Hollinshead said, but added the temporary crossing saves taxpayer dollars and makes the work zone much safer for construction crews.

"The contractor estimates that the temporary bridge costs $90,000 on this project," Hollinshead said. "The use of the temporary bridge led to cost savings of about $25,000, which is a project savings for the taxpayer because they were able to eliminate some expensive items such as temporary shoring and precast abutments."

Work on the bridge is expected to take place every weekday until the project is complete.

Scott Jackson can be reached at (208) 883-4636. or by email to sjackson@dnews.com.