Pocatello will start work next month to replace a deteriorating bridge over the Portneuf River on West Benton Street, using state funding that requires no contribution from city taxpayers.
The project received full funding through the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Grant program, which is administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and backed by the Idaho Legislature under Senate Bill 1359. The grant program targets bridges longer than 20 feet that have structural deficiencies or weight restrictions.
Construction Timeline and Road Closure
Work is scheduled to begin in mid-April and wrap up by the end of September, assuming favorable weather and no major complications. West Benton Street will be closed temporarily during construction, and drivers are advised to plan alternate routes through the area.
The existing steel girder bridge will be removed and replaced with a modern single-span concrete girder structure designed to meet current safety standards and provide greater durability over time.
Scope of Work
In addition to the bridge itself, crews will rebuild sections of the roadway and sidewalks leading to the structure on both sides of the river. Some utility lines will also be moved as part of the project.
The new bridge will rest on a deep foundation system using driven piles to support the concrete span. All work will follow specifications outlined in the 2023 Idaho Standard Specifications for Highway Construction.
What Comes Next
Pocatello officials have not announced which contractor will perform the work or provided a specific start date beyond mid-April. The city is encouraging residents and commuters who regularly use West Benton Street to identify detour routes ahead of the closure.
The Leading Idaho Local Bridge program was created to help cities and counties address aging infrastructure without burdening local budgets. Eligible projects must meet federal guidelines for bridge condition and receive priority based on traffic volume and structural need.
More information about road closures and construction updates will be released as the project moves forward.