Replacement project underway for Del Rio Bridge

Starting Monday, the U.S. 20 business loop that is east of St. Anthony will be closed. The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning to replace the Del Rio bridge. The bridge has been a landmark for over 80 years and although some locals said they’re going to miss it they also said it needs to be replaced.

Regional Spokesperson for ITD, Bruce King, agrees with locals.

“The bridge can reach their designed life and start to weaken given the continued flexing of vehicles going over the bridge then they eventually need to be replaced,” King said.

King said the first take for crews is removing the deck of the old bridge, then placing a temporary platform so they can place beams on it for the new bridge.

“The new bridge will be reinforced concrete, steel in the beams and it will be an excellent bridge and provide the service that will be desirable in Fremont County,” King said.

One thing standing in their way before construction started was an osprey nest that was sitting on top of the bridge. ITD decided to move the nest a year in advance to protect the birds.

“We moved the nest, we constructed the pole and 45-foot tall platform and hoisted this nest on top,” he said.

Shane Morton lives near the bridge and said he doesn’t care that the nest was moved, but has a problem with the construction.

“It is an inconvenience because we could cut across the bridge and go to Ashton on the freeway,” Morton said.

Portable signs are already in place on the U.S. 20 business loop informing people about this closure. People who live on the other side of the bridge will have to find a new way to get home.

ITD said the bridge should be complete in October.