Sissons Bridge to temporarily close for repairs

COEUR d’ALENE – The Sissons Bridge, located on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, will be closed for repairs on or around August 28 to 31, 2018 and also September 26, 2018. Located on Forest Service Road #208 on the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, the Sissons Bridge is the first bridge encountered when heading northwest from Shoshone Camp, before Kit Price Campground.

Built in the early 1950’s, Sissons Bridge has begun to show signs of cracking and distress that were discovered during a routine inspection, reducing the ability to meet load limits. Although not an imminent threat of failure, there is a priority need to conduct these repairs in order to accommodate ongoing high levels of traffic from recreationalists, private land owners, and management activities. Work that includes concrete pouring and additional reinforcing steel will bring the bridge up to load bearing specifications. Closures will not affect weekend or holiday travel.

The following alternate routes will be available:

•Forest Service Road 400 from Steamboat Creek to Flat Creek. Approximate drive time is 55 minutes if traveling 25 mph for 23.14 miles.

•Forest Service Road 802 from Venus Creek to the Long Pool/Big Pool area. Approximate drive time is 45 minutes if traveling 20 mph for 14.22 miles.

Please keep in mind that that the alternate routes are unpaved and narrower than Road # 208, and may not be suitable for vehicles with larger trailers. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available for free at ranger stations, or contact the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District at the Silver Valley Office: (208) 783-2363 or the Fernan Office: (208) 769-3000.