Southbound on-ramp taking shape

SANDPOINT — Construction of a retaining wall for the southbound on-ramp to the U.S. Highway 95 Long Bridge is anticipated to begin this week, according to Sand Creek Byway officials.

Construction crews have completed installation of a drainage layer at the north end of the bridge on the west side of the existing highway alignment and the installation of wick drains is under way, setting the stage for work on the retaining wall.

Ultimately, the retaining wall will be paired with a causeway southbound motorists will use to access the Long Bridge from downtown Sandpoint.

The driving of production pile continues in two areas of the project — the former Idaho Transportation Department storage site and the former Lakeside Inn site, project officials said. Piling for a temporary work trestle near the snow storage area is also continuing.

Meanwhile, the pouring of concrete is complete for the southernmost pier footing for the southbound off-ramp, which will allow bypass traffic to access downtown from the north. Excavation has begun for another southern pier which will hold up the mainline bridge over the creek.

The current pier work is occurring in and around the former snow storage area.

In about a week, excavation is slated to begin immediately south of Bridge Street Bridge for abutments and the bypass itself.

In the shoreline extension area on the west side of Sand Creek between the Bridge and Cedar street bridges, the initial stage of fill deposition is complete, which clears the way for the removal of sheet piling.

The sheet pile removal isn’t expected to start for about two weeks and will take some time to complete.

“That’s the last time you’ll see the sheet pile in that area,” said Ryan Alsup, field engineer for lead contractor Parsons RCI.

After April 15, construction activities will pick up at the north end of the bypass project. Excavation of a stormwater collection pond and other stormwater-control features will start near the U.S. 95/Highway 200 junction.

“That part of town will start to get busy,” Alsup said.