CATALDO — The final phase of a multi-year bridge project is set to begin next week. 

Two bridges that span the Coeur d’Alene River along I-90 have been under construction since 2024. According to a recent release from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), work on the westbound lane is scheduled to begin Monday. 

Last year, the eastbound bridge was demolished and rebuilt, with traffic diverted to the westbound lanes while crews completed the other structure. This year, demolition and reconstruction of the westbound bridge will mirror the process used for the eastbound replacement. 

The original bridges were built in 1964 and had reportedly reached the end of their lifecycles. 

“On weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. the interstate will be reduced to a single lane in both directions as work begins to construct temporary lanes that will be used to cross all I‑90 traffic to the eastbound side of the freeway later this spring,” the release read. “The following week, work will involve the westbound on ramp, but it will remain open for travel with flaggers helping to guide traffic safely through the work zone.” 

According to ITD Public Information Officer Heather McDaniel, the total cost for the federally funded project will be approximately $31.2 million. 

Work is expected to wrap up in the fall. Warmer weather is allowing crews to get an early start, but McDaniel said the advantage likely will not accelerate the completion date. 

“We definitely are taking advantage of the mild winter we’ve had which is allowing crews to phase their work a little differently than expected, but overall, we are still working with the same timeline projected through planning and design,” she said. “All early-season work remains weather dependent since we are still technically in winter, despite Mother Nature acting otherwise, but this accelerated start will provide our crews with a bit more flexibility through the rest of the construction season.” 

Work will continue throughout the construction season and will create various challenges for travelers and recreationists. According to McDaniel, drivers along I‑90 should expect lane reductions, intermittent ramp closures and speed restrictions. Users of the nearby Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes or the Coeur d’Alene River will also see restrictions, including brief trail closures, as well as limits on boating, swimming and fishing near the bridge. 

Less than 100 yards away, the currently closed-to-traffic Canyon Road Bridge will also undergo construction this year. 

That project, managed by the East Side Highway District, was slightly delayed due to December flooding but is expected to be completed by the end of the 2026 construction season. 

This is not the only project along I‑90’s Idaho corridor. Work continues on the I‑90 expansion project between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, the I‑90 State Highway 41 Interchange project, and the I‑90 Wolf Lodge to Fourth of July Pass pavement rehabilitation project. 

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system, online, by phone or through the app, for updates on conditions and traffic impacts throughout the construction season, or visit the project website.