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Aging bridge to be removed

by JOSH McDONALD
Local Editor | July 15, 2025 1:00 AM

ELK CREEK – Another week brings another bridge project to Shoshone County. 

Last week, county commissioners approved a bid to remove the aging bridge near the mouth of Moon Gulch. Spanning Moon Creek, the bridge historically provided access to several homes on the east side. 

Unlike typical projects, this one won’t involve a replacement. Instead, the existing structure will be fully decommissioned and removed. 

“They're removing the majority of the bridge itself,” said Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke. “Then they will be doing some paving on the detour road that runs behind the storage units, as well as some grade work.” 

The short stretch of Elk Creek Road east of the bridge will be renamed East Elk Creek Road. The project will also include tree and brush clearing and relocating a few power poles. 

In 2024, the county completed a separate bridge project roughly 100 feet from this one. During that project, a detour road was created, which will be graded and paved to provide access to the neighborhood along East Elk Creek Road.

During a recent meeting, Stutzke unsealed four bids for the project. The engineer’s estimate was $517,664. Three bids came in under budget, with North Fork Enterprises winning at $280,095 – nearly 50% below the estimate. After review, the company was confirmed to meet all licensing and project requirements. 

The project is fully funded by the state through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program, launched in summer 2022 with $200 million from surplus funds. The program prioritizes critical bridge replacements across Idaho, including 13 in Shoshone County, focusing on crossings vital for accessing farmland, natural resources, or recreation areas with limited detour options. 

The Elk Creek Bridge removal is expected to wrap up this fall.