WHITE BIRD, IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department in District 2 and its partners will be conducting work on the iconic 811 feet long bridge at White Bird Creek at Milepost 223.7 along US-95. The project is federally funded and valued at $3,084,200. This preservation project is anticipated to start late-April/early May and conclude in early August.
Workers from Royal Bridge, Inc., a Florida based contractor who specialize in bridge services, will be sandblasting and repainting the tall bridge with its original soft-yellow color to preserve the historic aesthetic of the bridge.
The piers of the structure are metal, so they will also need to be repainted to be protected from rust. This maintenance is important for safety, preserving state infrastructure, and extending the lifespan of the bridge.
The public should expect minimal traffic delays. Extra caution is encouraged when crews are working on the upper bridge deck and rails.
“White Bird Creek Bridge is one of Idaho Transportation Department’s signature bridges and our goal is to preserve its condition as long as possible. Replacement of the bridge is cost prohibitive. Painting the bridge’s structural steel will help eliminate rust that will eventually reduce the bridge’s lifespan,” said Curtis Arnzen, Resident Engineer.
The White Bird Creek Bridge was completed in 1975 and is an impressive structure at the bottom of the White Bird grade on US-95 and overlooking the city of White Bird below. It stands at approx. 300 feet tall and connects travelers and commerce from across the state.
For more information please visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/us95whitebirdcreek/
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