The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to view design plans for a new bridge over the North Fork Payette River at a public meeting on July 22 in Cascade. The new bridge will replace the existing Rainbow Bridge on State Highway 55.
Community members may stop by the meeting at their convenience between 4 and 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 60 (105 Mill St.) in Cascade. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to participate online at sh55rainbowbridge.com anytime between July 22 and Aug. 5.
The open house will include an update on the project, design options for the new bridge and retaining walls, and an update about the existing Rainbow Bridge.
“Community input will play an important role in the selection of a new bridge design,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said. “Since our last public meeting in summer 2024, we have completed extensive technical work for the new bridge design and have thoroughly evaluated the condition of the existing bridge. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and gathering input.”
The existing Rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1933 and no longer meets standards for state highway bridges. The new bridge will be located slightly northwest and upstream of the current location. It will include wider lanes and shoulders, and improved sight distance for traffic crossing the bridge.
In addition to the community open house, ITD will meet with a Bridge Involvement Group on July 9. The group includes community leaders, stakeholders and others who have agreed to invest additional time in the project. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project website.
Construction of the new bridge is programmed to begin in 2028.