The Idaho Transportation Board passed a resolution enabling ITD staff to design and construct a replacement bridge on Cloverdale Road over Interstate 84.

The resolution dedicates $6 million to 8 million for this project. The replacement bridge will include four travel lanes, standard shoulders and pedestrian facilities to tie in to Ada County Highway District's master plan for Cloverdale. It will have a higher clearance over I-84 and be built to accommodate a future fifth lane expansion of the Interstate below.

“Repairing the damage would have cost one to one-and-a-half million dollars,” said Julie DeLorenzo, board member. “That investment on an aged bridge that is inadequate for today's traffic and pedestrian needs is not a good use of taxpayer funds.”

The Cloverdale Overpass is currently closed to traffic. A fatal crash on June 16 caused extensive damage to the bridge. The bridge will remain closed for the safety of the traveling public until full repairs can be made.

“The board's decision allows us to effectively respond to this emergency situation,” said Amy Revis, ITD District 3 engineer. “While I appreciate the board's quick action and forward thinking, the circumstances that brought us to this point are tragic.”

ITD estimates this work will take 12 months to complete and reopen Cloverdale Road. Given the extended closure, the department will present this plan to the ACHD board of commissioners for their concurrence before moving forward.