RATHDRUM - Rathdrum will get a new bridge that connects Highways 41 and 53 sooner than originally planned.

The new $5.3 million bridge, which will be four lanes with pedestrian crossings and replace the existing 1936 two-lane structure next to Stein's IGA, will be constructed starting next year.

The Idaho Transportation Department will make a presentation to the Rathdrum City Council on the project tonight at 6 at Rathdrum City Hall.

"The old bridge is falling apart," said Brett Boyer, Rathdrum's city administrator. "When completed, it will be a great connection for the city to both sides of town. It's something that needs to be done."

Boyer said the public will be given a chance to weigh in on the project.

"This is very preliminary in the process," he said. "There should be at least one open house-type meeting to bring in the business community and others affected by the project to inform and discuss their thoughts and concerns early on in the project."

The bridge will be paid for with federal funding through the Bridging the Valley project and state funds. The city will not be required to pay for a match. The project was originally slated to start in two to three years.

Boyer said there will be lane restrictions and delays during construction, expected to take more than a year, but traffic will continue on the bridge during the project.

"It may take longer to build, but it would devastate the town to close it," Boyer said.

Another Bridging the Valley project in Rathdrum that would create an underpass at Mill Street and cost an estimated $12 million will not be constructed in the near future due to the lack of funding.

BTV is a railroad safety project aimed at eliminating at-grade crossings from Spokane to Athol.

* In other business, the council will hold a budget workshop after its regular meeting tonight. It will be the council's third budget workshop.

While the draft budget is still subject to change, the council is leaning toward floating a 1 percent tax increase.

Roads, pathways and improvements to the new Majestic Park are budget priorities, Boyer said.

Another workshop will be held on July 26 at 6 p.m. The council is expected to vote on a draft budget at that time.

A public hearing on the budget will be held on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.