Bridge Street use extension is possible

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Transportation Department might ask the city for permission to use Bridge Street Bridge after the April 15 deadline to keep construction of the U.S. Highway 95 bypass moving apace.

Although ITD pledged to avoid using the bridge to the Sand Creek peninsula for construction purposes, it sought use of the bridge earlier this year to facilitate work on the project.

A judicial decree prohibits ITD from conducting ground-disturbing activities from October to April unless the department obtains a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ken Sorensen, ITD’s project engineer, said EPA has declined to allow the construction of a north/south haul road on the east side of the creek while the decree is in effect, which threatened to derail other work on the Sand Creek Byway project.

Sorensen said the city’s permission kept that from happening, however.

“None of that work would be done without that permission,” said Sorensen.

Sorensen said ITD might seek continued use of the bridge for a few weeks after April 15 so the haul road can be pioneered and used to transport materials and equipment without clogging city streets.

The use of Bridge Street has stirred some controversy, with some project critics, such as the North Idaho Community Action Network, accusing ITD of going back on its word by using Bridge Street.

But Mayor Gretchen Hellar has defended the use of Bridge Street because it limits contractors’ downtime and expedites construction.

“My feeling is that I want you guys in and out of here as soon as possible,” Hellar said during Thursday’s construction update meeting.

Meanwhile, others are hoping the spirit of cooperation comes into play during some of Sandpoint’s signature events, such as the annual wooden boat show on Sand Creek in July.

Boat show supporters are asking for pile driving to be suspended during the weekend event, a request which contractors might be receptive to, according to Sorensen.

Ryan Alsup, field engineer for lead contractor Parsons RCI, said the project will not interfere with navigation in the creek, aside from when girders are swung into place, for instance.

“The contract says the waterways are open all year,” said Alsup.

In other project news, site preparations are under way for a retaining wall for the future southbound lane of the bypass and brushing and grubbing along the creek is slated to begin this week.

Pile driving for a temporary work trestle across Sand Creek is ongoing and decking for the trestle is expected to begin this week. Foundation excavation within coffer dams near the former Lakeside Inn is also continuing.

n Additional construction information can be found on ITD’s Web site (itd.idaho.gov/Projects/D1) or by calling 265-0897.