SANDPOINT — For the next few weeks, travel on Boyer Road north of the fairgrounds will mean the long way around.

Severe structural issues of a culvert at the Sand Creek crossing prompted the city to close the road and set up a detour of the site. The closure is effective immediately and necessary to ensure public safety, Sandpoint officials said in a press release.

"The failure appears to be due to loss of integrity of the floor of the culvert allowing water to undermine structure in the area," Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm told the Daily Bee.

The closure is expected to be long-term, potentially lasting several weeks, while the city works with a team of engineers to design and construct a replacement culvert, Grimm said.

It is unknown what it will cost to replace the culvert, the Sandpoint mayor said.

Sandpoint officials said they were alerted to potential failure of the culvert Thursday, June 5. City crews checked the culvert the following day but saw no visible signs of imminent failure. When crews returned Monday, June 9, they noted that the condition had deteriorated significantly. 

At that point, Sandpoint officials said the city planned to implement temporary weight restrictions and continue to monitor the site.

However, a follow-up check Wednesday, June 11, revealed that the culvert's condition had worsened even further.

"Out of an abundance of caution for public safety, the city made the decision to fully close North Boyer Road at the Sand Creek crossing," officials said in the press release.

Once it became clear the road would need to be closed, Sandpoint officials worked with Bonner County and Idaho Transportation Department officials on a detour around the site. The road serves as the most popular route to get to Schweitzer resort, which just kicked off its summer season.

Traffic is being detoured to U.S. Highway 95 via Bronx Road and Schweitzer Cutoff Road. Those planning to visit Schweitzer resort are asked to use Bronx Road.

"We recognize this closure will be an inconvenience to many, but with the structure actively deteriorating, closing the road was the only responsible course of action to ensure the safety of the public," Grimm said in the release.

Sandpoint officials have begun the engineering and design work needed to replace the culvert replacement. The cost to replace the culvert is unknown at this time, said Grimm.

For more information, visit sandpointidaho.gov or contact Public Works at 208-263-3407.