Bridge access plan is still a mystery

SANDPOINT — An emergency access plan for east end of the Cedar Street Bridge during construction of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass remains a closely guarded secret.

Parsons RCI, the project’s lead contractor, anticipated discussing the plan during last week’s construction update meeting. On Thursday, the company said it had turned in a proposal for the Idaho Transportation Department to review, but declined to say what the proposal involved.

Officials from ITD also declined to elaborate on Thursday.

Parsons’ contract requires the demolition of the walkway at the east end of the bridge, but questions surrounding fire safety have so far spared it from the wrecking ball. Parsons is reportedly contemplating short- and long-term emergency access plans.

Pile driving for a for a temporary work trestle across Sand Creek is scheduled to begin this week. Excavation and crane pads for piers at the south end of the project are complete. A temporary work access pad just west of the railroad bridge is also complete.

The driving of sheet piling for a coffer dam and sediment control area for other southern piers is under way.

There will be no weekly update meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11 because of scheduling conflicts. The updates are scheduled to resume on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Weekly updates are held at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Transportation Information Office, located at 202 North Second Avenue. Work updates are also posted online at (itd.idaho.gov/projects/d1). Those with questions about the project can also call the TIO at 265-0897 or send an e-mail to tio@sandpoint.net.