Projects

US-20 Osborne & SH-32 Bitch Creek Bridges

Design work is underway on the US-20 Osborne Bridge and SH-32 Bitch Creek Bridge to improve safety and ensure mobility on these vital routes.

US-20 Osborne & SH-32 Bitch Creek Bridges

Design work is underway on the US-20 Osborne Bridge and SH-32 Bitch Creek Bridge to improve safety and ensure mobility on these vital routes.

Overview

Two bridges in Fremont and Teton Counties will be updated and improved in coming years. Design work is now underway to keep these popular recreation and vital commerce routes functioning for years to come.

Aerial view of SH-32 Bitch Creek Bridge in Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department is working on designs to improve two critical bridges in eastern Idaho.

The Osborne Bridge on U.S. Highway 20 over Henry’s Fork of the Snake River connects travelers to the Island Park area and is part of the route to access the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

The Bitch Creek Bridge is on State Highway 32 between Tetonia and Ashton. It is a vital route for movement and commerce in this rural, agricultural area.

Aerial view in the winter of US-20 Osborne Bridge over the Henry's Fork of the Snake River near Island Park, Idaho.

Osborne Bridge

The most recent improvements to the US-20 Osborne Bridge were done more than 20 years ago and the structure requires repairs to continue to be operable for motorists for years to come. This bridge is located near Last Chance and is a popular fishing location on the world-renowned Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. It’s a critical part of the route that gets travelers and recreationists to the ever-growing Island Park area and the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Improvements are currently in the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. ITD’s plans for traffic control during construction will make every effort to minimize impacts during peak seasons and times.

Aerial view in winter of the US-20 Osborne Bridge near Island Park, Idaho.
Damage to the US-20 Osborn Bridge near Island Park, Idaho.

Bitch Creek Bridge

Improvements to the Bitch Creek Bridge along SH-32 between Tetonia and Ashton were also last completed more than 20 years ago. Plans are currently in design phase for making major repairs to the structure. This bridge is crucial for travel over the steep Bitch Creek Canyon and connects this part of eastern Idaho with no other available routes. The project is expected to begin construction in 2027.

Aerial view in springtime of the SH-32 Bitch Creek Bridge between Tetonia and Ashton, Idaho.
Damage to the Bitch Creek Bridge on SH-32 in Idaho.

What’s included in these designs

  • Roadway connections, 200 yards of paving before after after bridge areas
  • Parapets, the safety barriers at both sides of the bridge
  • Improved drainage and erosion mitigation
  • Cleaning all girders and parts of the bridge underneath
  • At Bitch Creek- Plans will include extending the MSE wall, where the bridge begins and ends under the road
  • At Osborne- replacing bridge joints and improving surrounding reflectors

Traffic Impacts

  • These projects are still in design phase, and traffic impacts during construction aren’t yet known.
  • One lane closures at vital points in construction may be in place temporarily.
  • Every effort to complete work outside of peak recreational and agricultural seasons, limit lane closures, and keep traffic moving will be made.

Project Contacts

For questions about these bridge projects, contact Project Manager Kristy Bollinger at (208) 745-5639 or kristy.bollinger@itd.idaho.gov.