Press Release from Idaho Transportation Department
ATHOL, Idaho — After being struck by an oversized load on Monday, November 18 the bridge on Brunner Road over U.S. Highway 95 will experience a long-term westbound lane closure through winter until repairs can be made in the spring.
An excavator being hauled on a large semi-trailer was not properly secured, and the bucket shifted during transport, causing it to exceed the posted height clearance and strike the bridge overhead as the truck passed beneath.
Idaho Transportation Department staff were immediately dispatched to the scene of the crash to inspect the bridge and determine an appropriate course of action. Based on their findings and expert recommendations, the outside westbound lane of the bridge will be closed for the remainder of winter to prevent load restrictions from being put in place on the entire structure. That will still leave one lane in each direction open for travel.
Crews will also be inspecting the damaged areas weekly to ensure the bridge remains safe for travelers both on Brunner Road and US-95 beneath.
The driver who caused the crash was located and cited by law enforcement. ITD will be working with insurance companies to recover costs for damage repairs.
It is important to understand that incidents like this are extremely costly and can easily be prevented by taking care—especially when hauling large equipment or oversized loads—to ensure they are properly secured, and remain properly secured, during travel.
