JEROME, ID — Work recently began on replacing the N Canal Bridge on Idaho Highway 25 east of Jerome. Built in 1956, the current bridge has reached its life expectancy. The new structure will be both longer and wider than the current bridge, and also support heavier load capacities.

“The new bridge will facilitate space for construction of a future pedestrian walkway,” said Idaho Transportation Department Project Manager Tom Logan. “It will also allow for existing utilities to be placed underneath the structure.”

As part of the project, the adjacent ID-25 approaches will be brought up to grade as well.

“Updating the grade of the bridge, along with the northbound and southbound approaches, and increasing the width will improve safety for the traveling public,” Logan said.

During the first phase of construction, the South 100 W approach will be closed with traffic diverted through the Producers Livestock parking lot. The North 100 W approach will then be closed during the second phase of construction. Traffic on ID-25 will remain open but reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the duration of the project.

“Most of our work on the bridge must be completed while the canal is dry,” Logan said. “We expect the majority of work to be done by March of next year, with remaining items to be completed by the spring.”

Coldwater Group, Inc. of Pleasant View, Utah, is the primary contractor for this project.