Recently, the Ada County Highway District temporarily closed the Gowen Road Bridge to ensure the safety of the traveling public. After observations during the temporary closure, ACHD has made the decision to keep the bridge closed. The highway district estimates the bridge will re-open by the end of December.
ACHD began a project earlier this year to widen and replace the bridge while widening Gowen Road from Exchange Street to Eisenman Road to four lanes. As part of that effort, a temporary shoring was put in place to facilitate the bridge construction. While the bridge was originally intended to remain open during the project, it was determined that the existing embankment could not adequately or safely be shored and could pose safety concerns.
"Our top priority will always be the safety of the public," said ACHD Engineer Dale Kuperus, PE. "Our intent was to allow for commuters to use one-lane of the bridge during the project, but a full closure will be necessary to complete the project and protect travelers. We understand this poses an inconvenience for commuters in the coming months, however we are happy to report that the closure will speed up the timeline for the project as a whole."
While the bridge is closed and work continues on Gowen Road, commuters are asked to follow signs and use the established detour.
ACHD would like to thank the public, area businesses, and the Gowen Air Force Base for their continued patience as needed road improvements are completed.