Strong Cr. Bridge to be replaced

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

The nearly century-old bridge over Strong Creek in Hope is slated for replacement in coming weeks — a project that will alter travel through the area into the summer months.

Photo courtesy ITD.

Idaho Transportation Department spokesperson Megan Sausser said that construction was set to begin next week but has been postponed to start in mid-March due to snow.

“That will affect the overall end date, but we still aim to have work completed by the Fourth of July,” she said.

The Strong Creek Bridge, located on the Idaho Highway 200 business route through Hope, was originally scheduled for replacement in 2020, but ITD decided last year to move the project up. The original structure was built in 1924, and the last serious improvements were made in 1974.

Sausser said the bridge will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic until near completion, at which time flaggers will be present to allow one lane to pass at a time. Until then, drivers will need to use the main highway route along the lake. A detour will be posted with additional signage included in response to public concern about heightened traffic on residential streets.

ITD is waiting to receive a proposal from the contractor about pedestrian access during construction, Sausser said.

The new bridge will feature a concrete sidewalk — rather than its current wooden one — as well as accessible ramps.

Learn more about the project and find updates at www.itdprojects.org.