Nighttime bridge demolition work is set to begin along Interstate 15 in eastern Idaho as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) advances a highway widening project designed to increase roadway capacity. The bridge removal is a key construction phase supporting the expansion of I-15 north of the Fort Hall Interchange.
ITD will start removing an abandoned railroad bridge located north of Exit 80 on July 16, weather permitting. Demolition activities are scheduled to occur overnight between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. and are expected to continue for approximately four to five weeks.
The bridge removal is necessary to allow construction crews to continue widening Interstate 15 from two lanes to three lanes in each direction through the project corridor.
To accommodate demolition operations, traffic will periodically be shifted to one side of the interstate while sections of the bridge are removed. Single-lane closures will be in place during nighttime work hours.
The northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp at the Fort Hall Interchange may also be temporarily closed overnight. During these closures, motorists will be detoured via the I-15 South Blackfoot Interchange at Exit 89.
ITD advises drivers to follow posted work zone signage and observe reduced speeds to protect both motorists and construction personnel.
Bridge demolition and roadway widening projects remain a critical component of transportation infrastructure investment aimed at improving highway capacity and traffic flow. For contractors, transportation agencies, and material suppliers, phased demolition work illustrates the importance of coordinating traffic management with construction operations to maintain safety while advancing major highway improvement projects.
Source: Idaho Transportation Department.
