The Idaho Transportation Department is asking the public to respect temporary safety restrictions and zones currently in place on the Long Bridge pedestrian pathway after crews experienced repeated vandalism and removal of these devices intended to keep people away from specific areas of concern on the bridge.
Since temporary access controls were installed last week, ITD maintenance crews have repeatedly had to replace barrels, cones, caution tape and other devices after they were intentionally knocked down, moved or removed.
“These restricted areas were not put in place arbitrarily,” District Engineer Ryan Hawkins said. “They exist because there are specific locations on the bridge where any amount of additional weight, including people, creates a legitimate safety concern for the public and for the integrity of the structure while further evaluations and repair planning continue.”
The department emphasized that the current plan was designed specifically to preserve as much public access across the bridge as possible while still adequately addressing safety concerns.
ITD recognizes how important continued end-to-end use of the bridge is for the local community and has worked to maintain that access in the least restrictive way possible. However, repeated vandalism and removal of safety devices makes it increasingly difficult to safely maintain this level of partial-access currently being accommodated.
Ironically, because of the bridge’s current weight sensitivity — particularly in the isolated areas of concern — ITD is limited in the types of barriers that can safely be used on the structure. Heavier options such as concrete barriers or more robust fencing that would be more difficult to tamper with cannot be placed on the bridge without creating additional structural concerns, leaving the department reliant on lighter traffic control devices and the cooperation of bridge users to help keep the area safe.
“ITD does not take decisions about access restrictions, of any degree, lightly, and only does so when it is absolutely necessary,” Hawkins said. “We recognize these restrictions are inconvenient, which is exactly why we have worked so hard to avoid a full closure. It’s disappointing that the actions of a small number of individuals could ultimately jeopardize access for everyone else who uses the bridge responsibly.”
ITD is coordinating with local and state law enforcement partners, requesting additional patrol awareness on and around the bridge to help discourage vandalism and ensure safety measures remain in place.
As with everything ITD does, safety remains the top priority. If these safety controls cannot remain in place, ITD may be forced to consider additional restrictions, including the possibility of a full closure, until repairs can be completed.
The department also remains committed to working collaboratively with organizers of permitted events involving the pedestrian bridge. ITD is continuing to accept and evaluate special event permit applications and will work closely with organizers to identify solutions that balance participant safety, protection of the bridge structure and the success of community events whenever possible.