Gem State Wire

Work will begin next week on three Interstate 90 bridges in the Silver Valley, as part of a routine maintenance project. The Idaho Transportation Department will address bridges in two phases, starting with those near Silverton and followed by the Wallace Viaduct. Completion is expected by late fall.

Traffic adjustments will include reducing lanes to a single lane of two-way traffic and lowering speed limits to 55 miles per hour. Previously constructed crossovers will be used to manage the traffic shift. Information regarding intermittent ramp closures will be communicated via digital signs and the Idaho 511 system.

The project highlights the need for "routine and preventative maintenance" to ensure that infrastructure remains safe and dependable. An official noted, "Bridges are critical links in the transportation network, and like any structure, they experience wear and tear over time." The goal is to extend infrastructure lifespan, reduce emergency closures, and save taxpayer money.

Up-to-date information on the project will be provided locally through digital messaging and the Idaho 511 system. The maintenance ensures that the roads remain reliable while minimizing long-term costs and disruptions.