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Daytime lane closures are expected to start early Saturday morning on the Perrine Bridge while staff inspect the structure.

The routine inspection may take up to six days to complete, with crews on site each day between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. Only one lane will be closed in one direction at a time. Work will not affect the sidewalks.

“We are starting this work early and on the weekend when there’s less traffic,” Bridge Asset Management Engineer Alan Buehrig said. “We will be using a special truck to inspect areas underneath the bridge and will move back and forth between both sides, so motorists should be prepared for one less lane in either direction, depending where we’re working.”

Drivers should plan for delays by checking 511.idaho.gov as there is already active construction on the bridge. While the inspection will take less than a week, ongoing maintenance is planned through spring 2024.

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.