TWIN FALLS-Repairs to the Vinyard Bridge begin overnight Wednesday, Nov. 11 to fix damage from a crash last December.

Repairs will allow the bridge to fully reopen to traffic and include replacing one girder, which is a horizontal beam that supports the driving surface. Girders have to be ordered and specialized to each bridge so it takes time to build and ship them.

Eastbound Interstate 84 will be temporarily closed each night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Nov. 18 while the new girder is placed. Traffic will be detoured to State Highway 25 where it connects to I-84 near Hazelton. Additional overnight closures will occur intermittently throughout the rest of the year. Vinyard Bridge will be closed to all traffic until repairs are complete in December.

"We are excited to get this bridge functioning again," Project Manager Cory Williams said. "It will make life a little easier for the ag community in this area."

ITD continues to work with the insurance company of the driver responsible for the damage to cover part of the $515,000 in repairs. This is the second time in two years the bridge has been damaged by a vehicle, with previous repairs totaling $1.2 million.

ITD reminds drivers to know the height of their vehicle and load before traveling under bridges. Loads taller than 16 feet require a permit. Any bridge under 16 feet is marked by yellow signs. Vinyard Bridge is more than 16 feet tall.

Check 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.