BANKS, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
A significant project on State Highway 55 heading to and from McCall will get underway this week.
The Idaho Transportation Department will begin preparations to replace the Fleming Creek Bridge, located four miles south of Banks and just 30 minutes north of Eagle.
Work is expected to begin Wednesday and be completed in spring 2025, the transportation department said in a news release.
Fleming Creek runs under Highway 55 toward the Payette River. It passes through a culvert that has reached the end of its design life, the transportation department said.
“Replacing the bridge will ensure Fleming Creek can safely and reliably cross under SH-55 to the Payette River,” an ITD news release stated.
Highway 55 is frequently traveled by Treasure Valley residents, as people look to head north to the McCall area for the plethora of outdoor recreation and, during the summer, reduced heat in the state’s higher elevations.
Additionally, the nearby Banks-Lowman Road intersection can see significant traffic, with drivers headed north and south as well as using it as an access point to and from Garden Valley to the east, and Stanley beyond that.
ITD Project Manager Greer Gardner said doing the work during the fall to spring “off-season” will help “alleviate traffic congestion and delays along State Highway 55.”
During Fleming Creek Bridge construction work, motorists can expect a reduced speed limit, and lanes will be reduced to 11 feet wide with no shoulders throughout the work zone on the highway, the transportation department said.
While most work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be intermittent night work and lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., the department said. Flaggers and a temporary traffic signal will direct motorists during lane closures.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
