Strong Creek Bridge open

By Reader Staff

The Strong Creek Bridge is open to vehicular traffic after a four-month closure.

The Idaho Transportation Department spent the past several months replacing the bridge, adding a concrete sidewalk and ADA-accessible ramps. The century-old bridge, located on the Idaho Highway 200 business route in Hope, underwent its last serious renovation in 1974.

ITD spokesperson Megan Sausser said the bridge is now open to one lane of traffic during the day and two lanes at night.

“Right now pedestrians should check in with the flagger before using the shoulder to cross the bridge,” she said, “but we anticipate opening the sidewalk in the next week.”

Sausser said crews still need to install guardrails and paint highway stripes, but that everything should be wrapped up within the next three weeks.