COEUR D’ALENE, ID — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will begin routine maintenance work on several bridges across North Idaho starting Monday, April 28. The work is part of a broader infrastructure improvement project scheduled to continue through late fall.
Initial construction will begin on Bunco Road over U.S. Highway 95. Additional work is set to begin in early May on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Interstate 90 and at U.S. 95 over Northwest Boulevard. Work will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with planned breaks during major holidays and local events.
The seven locations scheduled for maintenance are:
-
Bunco Road over US-95
-
US-95 over Northwest Boulevard (night work planned)
-
Veterans Memorial Bridge on Interstate 90
-
I-90 over Potlatch Hill Road
-
Shiplett Road over I-90 (toward Silver Valley)
-
I-90 eastbound on-ramp over South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
-
I-90 westbound two-way ramp over South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
Traffic Impacts
The public will be notified of upcoming traffic changes through the Idaho 511 system. Anticipated impacts include:
-
Lane reductions and alternating one-lane travel
-
Temporary ramp closures, including the southbound US-95 off-ramp at Bunco Road
-
Nighttime construction at US-95 over Northwest Boulevard
-
Flaggers directing traffic through work zones
ITD plans to limit the number of active construction sites to three at any given time to reduce disruptions.
Bunco Road Bridge Repairs
Although not originally part of the scheduled maintenance, the Bunco Road bridge was added following damage from a truck striking the structure in 2024. The bridge will undergo a repair method known as “loading,” which involves placing weight on the bridge to flex its girders before making necessary adjustments. The process may result in heavy equipment being visible on the bridge for extended periods, but it is not indicative of an emergency or work delay.
Veterans Memorial Bridge
The longest-lasting work will occur at the Veterans Memorial Bridge, where crews will conduct deck maintenance and pier crack repairs. This work is scheduled to begin May 5 and continue into the fall, potentially requiring further lane closures.
US-95 over Northwest Boulevard
To reduce daytime travel impacts, work at this location will occur at night. ITD is coordinating with the city of Coeur d’Alene to minimize effects during local events. Nighttime work hours will be announced through the Idaho 511 system.
“These are routine but important upgrades to ensure our bridges stay safe and operational,” said ITD Project Manager Preston Sochovka. “Coming right on the heels of National Work Zone Safety Week, it’s a timely reminder for drivers to secure their loads and use extra caution when traveling through active construction zones—for your safety and ours.”