The Idaho Transportation Department will begin maintenance work on the Rainbow Bridge along State Highway 55 over the North Fork of the Payette River starting Monday. This project is intended to ensure the bridge meets current safety and capacity requirements until a new bridge is completed.
Crews will repair reinforced concrete bridge elements, replace expansion joints, and restore the deck surface. Work is expected to be completed in the fall. Motorists should expect delays in the area during construction.
- SH-55 will be reduced to one lane on weekdays in the project area (Mondays at 6 a.m. to Thursdays at 5 p.m.). Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
- Both lanes of SH-55 are expected to be open on weekends (Fridays – Sundays) and major holidays this summer. Prior to Memorial Day, one lane may be closed on weekends.
- Lanes will be reduced to 11 feet.
Rafters should be aware of work on the bridge, follow signage, and look for direction from the river flagger during overhead work.
Repairs this summer will help prevent future load restrictions that could impact service vehicles, delivery vehicles and cattle trucks using SH-55. For the latest updates and additional information, please visit the project website.