Clearwater County is set to begin a $2 million upgrade to the James River Bridge, located on the south end of the county on April 7.
Kate Reglin, capital projects supervisor with Clearwater County says the construction project will involve a range of significant repairs to the bridge, including work on the bridge deck and subdeck, abutment replacement, and the repair of the bridgerail. Additionally, the project will address the bridge bearings, structural steel, and concrete pier repairs. To protect the area surrounding the bridge, class 2 riprap will also be installed.
During the course of construction, which is expected to run until June 27, 2025, the bridge will be closed to traffic, and detours will be in place. Clearwater County urges the public to plan for these disruptions, as the road closure will affect the normal flow of traffic in the area. The detours will run SH-587 north of the construction site, and on RR 34-2 south of the site.
Detours will be in place around the James River Bridge on the south end of Clearwater County on April 7, 2025. (Clearwater County)
Once completed, it is expected to expand the lifespan of the bridge by 15 to 20 years. While the timeline for completion is subject to change, Reglin says it is anticipated the project will improve the safety and functionality of the bridge.
The total cost for the repairs is budgeted at $2,039,000.
Clearwater County officials emphasizes that the dates for closure are weather-dependent, and no notification will be sent upon the bridge’s reopening unless there are changes to the schedule.
The bridge is located on the very south tip of the county, on Range Rd. 5-3, between SH 587 and Twp Rd. 34-2, approximately 1.5 miles south of Highway 587 and the unincorporated community of James River.
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