U.S. 2, Dover Bridge

Why it Matters

The Dover Bridge was constructed in 1937. It is the most restrictive Idaho bridge on the U.S. 2 corridor, and has a sufficiency rating of three (on a scale of one to 100). While the bridge continues to deteriorate with age, traffic has increased more than 75 percent since 1990. The existing bridge has created a traffic bottleneck on U.S. 2, impeding commercial and local traffic.

Continued structural deterioration has forced the department to impose height and width restrictions. The speed limit over the bridge has been reduced to 25 mph for safety. Vehicles must make a 2-mile detour when the bridge is closed. An emergency causing the bridge to be shut down for any period of time would have a severe impact to commerce and public safety.

Project Description

The existing 72-year-old trestle bridge will be replaced with a new steel bridge. The new structure will be 1,200 feet long and 72 feet wide. Five traffic lanes will accommodate future expansion of U.S. 2.

Current Status

• Advertised: May 6, 2009
• Bids opened: Bids open June 9, 2009
• Contractor:Sletten Construction, Great Falls, Mont. [bid results]
• Contract awarded: July 1, 2009
• Construction Start: August 24, 2009
• Current Project Phase: Under Construction
• Estimated Completion: Fall, 2011

Construction Updates

• December 6, 2011
• October 31, 2011
• October 19, 2011
• October 13, 2011 - Traffic Alert
• October 3, 2011
• August 29, 2011
• August 22, 2011
• August 12, 2011
• August 1, 2011
• July 14, 2011
• April 18, 2011
• April 1, 2011
• March 1, 2011
• November 30, 2010
• September 15, 2010
• September 7, 2010
• August 2, 2010
• June 14, 2010

Project News Releases

News Releases: September 18, 2009 | August 21, 2009 | Groundbreaking ceremony - July 22, 2009 | July 13, 2009 | June 10, 2009
Project Materials: Dover Bridge invitation - July 7, 2009