Overview
The Idaho Transportation Department is planning to replace the Priest River Bridge on US-2, originally built in 1962, which has reached the end of its service life and no longer meets modern standards. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2029 and last two years. The new bridge will feature wider shoulders, a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, and fewer piers in the river to improve boat access and water flow. The waterway will remain open during design and construction, though some areas may be temporarily restricted. ITD hosted a public meeting in the fall of 2025 to present design ideas to the community and gather feedback.
Why is this bridge being replaced?
Originally built in 1962, the bridge remains open to traffic but has reached the end of its service life. Its foundation is in poor condition, and it no longer meets modern design standards making it “functionally obsolete” and due for full replacement.
The project is currently in the design phase. Necessary surveying for the project was completed at the end of 2024, setting the stage for next steps. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029 and will likely be completed over the course of two years.
What improvements will be made?
The new bridge will feature wider shoulders that offer more room for vehicles and provide a wider pedestrian/bike path over the bridge. The new bridge will also reduce the number of piers in the river which will enhance mobility for boats and river users and allow for improved water flow which will benefit the surrounding ecosystem and community.
The Priest River waterway will remain open for recreational use during both design and construction of the new bridge. However, there will be in-water work during both phases that may limit passage to a certain portion of the river channel. Information regarding river use and impacts will be available here as the project progresses.
Community Input
ITD hosted a public meeting to present the design options for this project to the community and gather feedback. That information is shown below.
Thirty three people attended the meeting in person on Nov. 6, 2025, and the team received 15 comment forms during the public comment period. It was clear residents of the community understand the need to replace the structure and support the project’s long-term benefits. They shared a strong desire to prioritize safety for both drivers and pedestrians, minimize impacts during construction, and ultimately preserve the way the community moves about both on land and water.
Online Public Meeting
Timeline
This project is currently in the design phase and is expected to advance to construction in 2029.
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2025
Design
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2025
Public Meeting
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2029
Construction
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Late 2030
Expected completion
Contact the project team
For questions or comments about this project, please contact the project manager at randy.durland@itd.idaho.gov or (208) 772-1200.
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