ADA COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — Local drivers should plan for possible delays as the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) gears up to begin construction on the Healey Road bridge over the New York Canal as early as mid-August.

The project is part of ACHD’s Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program, which aims to extend the lifespan and safety of critical transportation infrastructure across the county.

Construction is expected to wrap up by October, weather permitting, according to ACHD officials.

"Routine bridge maintenance like this is essential for ensuring our roads and structures stay safe for everyone who depends on them," an ACHD spokesperson said in a recent statement.

The Healey Road bridge is a vital local crossing for residents and farm vehicles traveling between neighborhoods and agricultural areas south of Boise. The structure, which crosses the New York Canal — part of the historic Boise Project irrigation system — will undergo deck repairs, structural upgrades and resurfacing to address wear and tear from heavy use and changing weather conditions.

Local commuters should expect lane closures, short detours, and reduced speed limits in the construction zone. ACHD encourages drivers to plan ahead and follow all posted signs for their safety and the safety of the crews on site.

The bridge work is funded through ACHD’s regular maintenance budget and is part of a broader county-wide plan to inspect and upgrade aging bridges before they require full replacement.

The project is part of ACHD’s long-term Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program, which targets aging bridges before they reach a point where full replacement is necessary — saving taxpayers money in the long run.

“Routine maintenance extends a bridge’s life span by decades and helps us avoid costly emergency repairs down the road,” said an ACHD representative. “We know this stretch is important for local farms, neighborhoods and commuters, so we’re working hard to complete it safely and on schedule.”

What to expect:

• One lane may be closed at a time, with flaggers directing traffic as needed.
• Temporary detours might be in place for larger equipment crossings.
• Crews will work during daylight hours, minimizing overnight disruption.
• Residents should plan for brief delays and watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the site.

The New York Canal, built in the early 1900s, is a major part of the Boise Project — one of Idaho’s oldest and largest irrigation systems, still providing water to farms and neighborhoods in the Treasure Valley today. The canal passes under numerous road crossings that require regular inspections due to shifting soil, heavy farm equipment, and fluctuating water levels.

ACHD inspects all of its bridges every two years, following state and federal standards. Recent surveys showed the Healey Road bridge needed a new deck surface, updated guardrails, and minor structural reinforcements to meet current safety codes.

Locals who live near the site say they welcome the improvements, but hope the crews can keep traffic moving during the late-summer farm season. “We haul produce and livestock across that bridge all the time,” said one nearby farmer. “We just hope they keep access open as much as possible.”

ACHD is encouraging drivers to sign up for project updates online, where they can see real-time construction maps, lane closure notices and estimated travel delays. Updates will also be posted on the ACHD social media channels.

Originally reported by CBS2 News Staff in Idaho News.