Overview
The Idaho Transportation Department is making plans to replace the Salmon River Bridge on U.S. Highway 93 in downtown Salmon, Idaho. This bridge was constructed in 1926 and is the only developed river crossing within 80 miles, serving a variety of motorists, pedestrians, recreationists, tourists and more.
A Valuable Crossing
US-93 is also Main Street in this remote mountain town. It is one of the lifeline routes for the Lemhi and Custer County areas. The Salmon River under the bridge happens to diverge around a sizeable island, known locally as Island Park, that is a well-used and beloved recreation area.
Salmon River Bridge was deemed the Beauty Bridge when originally built. It included sidewalks on both sides. It was later widened in 1964 and the sidewalk removed on the north side.
A century later, it needs to be brought to modern design standards in order to continue to safely and reliably serve it’s vital purpose through the future.
What’s included in this project
- Technical studies: Hydraulics, drainage, traffic, geotechnical, materials and right-of-way investigations
- Environmental studies: NEPA compliance, archeological and historic survey, aquatic resources and biological assessment, Recreation/Parks and permitting
- Bridge and roadway design
- Public involvement
Community Involvement
A new US-93 Salmon River Bridge structure will be entirely rebuilt to better serve multiple modes of transportation for generations to come. Because ITD knows this bridge is beloved and of great importance to the region and community, Community Working Group meetings are being held. The group helps ensure that community interests and concerns are represented throughout project development. They will give early insight into what the community feels strongly about as well as hear constraints to what can be realistically built.
The first of these meetings is being held on Wednesday, March 25, from 4-6 p.m. Feedback received will help ITD determine alternatives that will be shared at a public meeting this fall of 2026.
Construction Outlook
Replacement of the US-93 Salmon River Bridge is a project still in planning and development stage. Construction is currently programmed to begin in 2031.
Until then, ITD will work with skilled engineers and planners to accomplish the technical, environmental and design tasks required before construction. Multiple public meetings will be held to help shape this preliminary work prior to construction.
Though construction details are not yet known, ITD is very aware of the importance and usage of the bridge. The goal is to keep both lanes open during construction when at all possible.