The Idaho Transportation Department next week has scheduled replacement work on the Gold Fork River Bridge on Idaho 55 south of Donnelly, according to ITD officials.
“It was built in 1951 and has outlived its design life,” said Department spokeswoman Jennifer Gonzalez.
The project includes removing and replacing the existing structure. A new bridge will be built that is wider, with two 12-foot travel lanes, 10-foot shoulders and paved roadway approaches.
“Starting next week, construction crews will begin building a temporary bridge to the west in order to keep traffic moving during construction,” Gonzalez explained. “Motorists will be shifted onto the temporary bridge early this summer. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2016.”
Officials said Idaho 55 will remain open at all times and throughout construction. The speed limit will be 65 mph.
Flaggers will direct traffic when occasional lane closures are in effect.
ITD is using a design-build method for this project. “Design-build is a streamlined process in which the design team and construction team work together simultaneously. This process allows for innovative methods of construction, creation of jobs and results in quicker project completion,” Gonzalez said.
Concrete Placing Company Inc. was selected as the design-build team for this $3.2 million project.
