Weight restrictions for Silver Bridge
Photo by Josh McDonald/ The Silver Bridge over the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River is scheduled to be fully replaced next year. The bridge has stood in place for 94 years and can only handle the weight of a standard passenger vehicle.
KINGSTON –– It’s going to have to be the long way around for big rigs this summer as Shoshone County Public Works has announced that the Silver Bridge is now only open for standard sized passenger cars.
According to a press release from Shoshone County Public Works, the decline of the structural integrity of the bridge forced the reduced weight capacity guidelines.
As of right now the weight capacity for the bridge is 2.1 tons per axle.
The reduced load limits will allow automobiles up to standard size passenger vehicles to utilize the bridge, while trailers, motorhomes and large vehicles will not be allowed until further notice.
Signs have been placed at key areas to prevent motorists from driving to the bridge with over limit vehicles or trailers.
“Our greatest concern is for the safety of our residents and visitors,” Public Works Director Jim Cason said. “We are currently addressing alternatives regarding the Silver Bridge.”
The Silver Bridge is accessed traveling north on USFS Highway 9 (Coeur d’Alene River Road), two miles north of the Snake Pit and then trying to cross the river towards Albert’s Landing instead of going further north, or by traveling south, the Silver Bridge is accessed via the Old Coeur d’Alene River Road near mile marker 5.
Those large vehicles can still get to the popular RV spot by going to the Bumblebee Bridge and heading south on Coeur d’Alene River Road.
For questions or further information please contact the Shoshone County Public Works Department at (208) 753-5475.