TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) Work on a Big Wood River bridge in Blaine County will get underway next week near Timmerman Junction. The Idaho Transportation Department says the replacement bridge on U.S. 20, known as Stanton Crossing, will begin on Monday December 12.

The current bridge was built in 1956 and is considered by ITD to be structurally deficient. Transportation officials say 1,500 cars and trucks travel over the bridge on average each day.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane for both directions and controlled by a traffic signal. Speed over the bridge will be reduced to 35 m.p.h. Crews will work this winter to quickly place the center pier and abutments on the river before spring runoff. The entire project is expected to be finished by the end of next year.

When finished ITD says the bridge will be wider and longer than the current bridge with wider shoulders. Once access point to the Stanton Crossing campground will be closed for improvements and realignment with the bridge. The project will cost $3.7 million.

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