The Idaho Transportation Department is making plans to rehabilitate and retrofit the bridge to improve safety, functionality and economic opportunity in the region.
Constructed in 1951, some components of the Clearwater Memorial Bridge are nearing the end of their service life.
A 2018 feasibility study recommended replacement of the roadway deck using the existing piers. The new bridge deck is expected to include the same number of lanes on US-12 but provide wider shoulders and sidewalks.
ITD will complete a preliminary analysis in 2019 to guide the design of the improved bridge. The analysis includes geotechnical and hydraulic evaluations. Geotechnical work will determine the load-bearing capacity and the settlement potential of the rock below the bridge footings. Examinations of the hydraulics around the bridge will allow ITD to determine the impacts the river has had, and can potentially have in the future, on the piers and foundations.
Design plans are expected to be completed in 2020, and construction is expected to begin as early as 2023.
ITD understands that timely communication and public input will play an important role in this project.
A new date for the U.S. Highway 12 Memorial Bridge Open House has been selected. The informal meeting will now be held on Tuesday, September 12th from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. PST at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel. All members from the public and the surrounding community are invited.
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. Read more.
