Final season of construction begins Monday on I-90 Cataldo bridges

CATALDO - Starting Monday crews will begin the second, and final, season of construction for the replacement of two Interstate 90 bridges over the Coeur d'Alene River near Cataldo. Demolition and reconstruction of the westbound bridge in 2026 will mirror the replacement of the eastbound structure that was completed in 2025. Both bridges were originally built in 1964 and have reached the end of their functional service life.

On weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. the interstate will be reduced to a single lane in both directions as work begins to construct temporary lanes that will be used to cross all I-90 traffic to the eastbound side of the freeway later this spring. The following week work will involve the westbound on-ramp, but it will remain open for travel with flaggers helping to guide traffic safely through the work zone.

Throughout spring, summer and fall, travelers can expect lane reductions, speed restrictions, and intermittent ramp closures during construction. River access for recreation - like boating, fishing, and swimming - will be restricted near the bridges during active construction, and Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes users may encounter brief closures as crews and equipment access the work zone.

With final completion expected by the end of 2026, this project is one of several that will dot the I-90 corridor from the Washington state line to the Silver Valley, including the I-90 expansion project between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, the I-90 State Highway 41 Interchange project, and the I-90 Wolf Lodge to Fourth of July Pass pavement rehabilitation project.

The East Side Highway District's adjacent project to replace the Canyon Road Bridge is also underway for the 2026 construction season. The bridge remains closed to traffic with detour signs posted. Flooding in recent months created a slight delay, but completion is still expected by the end of the year. Information about this project can be found through the highway district's website.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system, either online, by phone or through the app, for updates on conditions and traffic impacts throughout the construction season or visit the project website.