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LEWISTON – Construction on the Clearwater Memorial Bridge will begin on Monday, September 18, and will close two lanes, leaving just one lane open in each direction.

Work over the next two years will widen the lanes, shoulders and sidewalks. Repairs will also bring the bridge up to current weight-rating standards to allow vehicles with heavier and wider loads to safely cross the bridge.

Starting on Monday only the sidewalk on the east side of the bridge will remain open. In early October, both sidewalks on the bridge will then be closed for eight months.

While both sidewalks are closed, a 24/7 shuttle will be available to transport pedestrians and bicyclists from one end of the bridge to the other. Shuttle users can access services at Locomotive Park or Liberty Mart North.

Click here to download additional information on the shuttle.

Travelers are encouraged to use other routes or leave extra time in their commute when congestion may be at its highest.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we enter the construction phase,” Resident Engineer Curtis Arnzen said. “Having a wider, stronger bridge will enhance safety, functionality, and economic opportunity in the region.”

For more information about the project, please visit itdprojects.org/us12memorialbridge/.

Beginning Monday, crews plan to begin a two-week daytime paving operation on U.S. Highway 95 between Labrosse Rd and Eisenhower St in Bonners Ferry.

The most significant impacts are anticipated to be between Sept 18-28 when the continuous paving work will temporarily affect business and side road access while the asphalt mat is laid and cured in front of driveways. This process typically takes one to two hours and alternate access routes will need to be used during these times.

Throughout construction traffic will remain one lane in each direction with flaggers assisting to allow truck access.

This operation will be very dynamic and subject to change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, but we are doing our best to stay on schedule and minimize traffic impacts. Significant closures, delays or changes will be broadcast via roadside electronic messaging boards staged throughout the work zone. Please pay attention to local signage or refer to Idaho 511 for real-time updates. You may also subscribe to updates on the project website page.

As always, we urge drivers to slow down through work zones and use caution for the safety of all. Drivers should also watch for large trucks entering or exiting the construction site.

We appreciate your patience through this project and look forward to delivering a newly improved roadway to the community with an anticipated construction completion date set for mid-October!

The westbound on- and off-ramps at the I-84 Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will close tomorrow morning as crews continue rebuilding the interchange.

The closure is expected to last more than one month, with drivers detoured to the nearest interchange to the west at Exit 71 to access the freeway. The eastbound on- and off-ramps at Exit 74 will remain open.

Construction began in July to rebuild the bridge over I-84, which was built in 1959. While being reconstructed in place, the bridge will have one lane open so that motorists can cross over the freeway. Work is expected to be complete next summer.

Travelers are reminded to know before they go and check 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.

BONNERS FERRY – Starting on Wednesday September 13, ITD crews will begin a 1 to 2-day repair project on the approaches to the Naples Bridge located along U.S. Highway 95 near milepost 497 in Boundary County.

Work is scheduled to begin at 6:30 am and end at 4:00 pm each day. During this time traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction, utilizing flagging crews to alternate opposing directions of traffic safely through the work zone. Travelers should expect delays, especially during peak commute times, and plan accordingly.

Once completed drivers can expect to observe a noticeable improvement in smoothness as they travel across the bridge, improving safety and protecting the integrity of the roadway surface through the coming winter months.

BONNERS FERRY- Starting this afternoon drivers along U.S. Highway 95 near McArthur Lake will notice that access at the southern McArthur Lake Rd approach has been restricted. The temporary left turn lane traffic shift does not safely accommodate the southern approach. Motorists should utilize the northern access for all McArthur Lake Rd travel. This access restriction will be in effect until the fall of 2024.

Drivers can sign up for project email updates here or get real-time traffic impact updates on any Idaho roadway at Idaho 511.

Routine repairs on the Perrine Bridge near Twin Falls are now underway as the contractor starts setting up staging areas for equipment and scaffolding to access areas underneath the bridge. Work is not expected to impact traffic at this time.

Maintenance efforts will extend the lifespan of the bridge and include repairing the sidewalks, the railing and cracks. Some of the steel supports will also be painted for protection from weathering.

Lane closures are not expected for a few weeks, but mobilization this week is the beginning of a maintenance project that will last through spring of 2024. Signs on the highway will advertise upcoming closures to give drivers’ time to adjust their commute, and sidewalks on either side of the bridge will remain open for the duration of construction.

ITD schedules routine bridge maintenance projects to ensure the bridge’s longevity for years to come.

“Maintenance now could prevent future closures,” District Engineer Jesse Barrus said. “It’s far more effective to schedule these routine maintenance repairs and plan for it now than address issues later. Our goal is to ensure crews work quickly but safely.”

To learn more about the repairs, visit the project website. Traveler can also stay up to date on traffic impacts at 511.idaho.gov.