The Idaho Transportation Department has begun work to remove an abandoned railroad bridge over U.S. Highway 95 in Culdesac Canyon, addressing a height restriction on one of Idaho’s primary north-south freight routes. ITD is partnering with BG&CM Railroad on the bridge removal near milepost 283.
The Lapwai Creek Railroad Bridge currently limits vertical clearance on US-95 to 14 feet, 11 inches. Removing the structure will allow taller commercial loads to travel along the corridor without the existing restriction.
The project is expected to remain under construction for approximately 15 days. During daytime operations, traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled by flaggers or temporary traffic controls. Travelers should anticipate delays of about 15 minutes in the work area.
ITD plans to close US-95 overnight from Sept. 14 through Sept. 16, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., while bridge removal activities take place.
During the closures, motorists will be directed along a signed detour using Gifford-Reubens Road and U.S. Highway 12.
The construction schedule is subject to change as crews carry out the removal work.
Removing the railroad structure is expected to support freight movement along US-95 between Oregon and Canada by eliminating one of the corridor's few remaining vertical clearance restrictions. The work also supports future improvements planned for US-95 through Culdesac Canyon.
For freight operators and commercial vehicle users, the removal could reduce restrictions associated with taller loads. For transportation planners, clearing the existing structure also provides additional flexibility for future improvements to the highway corridor.
The project addresses both an immediate operational constraint and a longer-term infrastructure need on US-95. Eliminating the bridge restriction can improve the movement of commercial freight while supporting future highway upgrades in north-central Idaho.
Source: ITD.
