Benton Street Bridge rehabilitation project begins

A bridge that has stood in Pocatello for more than 50 years is getting a bit of work.

Recently, crews began work on the substructure that supports the Benton Street Bridge. The project will use various techniques to rehabilitate the structure with plans calling for reinforcing the concrete using carbon fiber wrapping, installation of a corrosion protection system, and repairing the column footings below ground.

Public Works Director/City Engineer for the City of Pocatello Jeff Mansfield said the bridge was originally constructed in 1965, and the bridge deck was rehabilitated in 2004. He says the time has come to once again rehabilitate the bridge’s substructure.

In order to accommodate the construction access and minimize the impact to the public during the project, traffic will be limited to one lane of travel in each direction and one sidewalk for pedestrians over the bridge. Traffic control measures are expected to be in place starting in April.

Total construction contract for the project is approximately $4.2 million. The funding is primarily coming from federal sources with the City of Pocatello being responsible for a 7.34 percent match, some of which is covered through in-kind services such as surveying and engineering.

Construction is expected to wrap up in June 2019.