County to keep current Rapid Lightning Creek bridge alignment

By Reader Staff

After putting out the call for public input, Bonner County Road and Bridge has chosen a path forward for rebuilding the upper Rapid Lightning Creek bridge.

Road and Bridge Director Steve Klatt said that after taking into account opinions from fewer than 10 people who called his department regarding the decision, the county chose its preferred bridge repair plan: reconstructing the bridge in its current alignment one lane at a time.

Travelers will experience delays, as a signal light will be necessary to manage traffic in the single open lane of the bridge. However, by keeping the existing alignment, the work should be limited to one construction season and prove to be more cost-effective for the county, according to officials.

Construction is set to begin in four or five years.