News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $2 Million Contract for Roadway Bridge Construction Downstream of Palisades Dam

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 08/02/2011 10:35
John Tiedeman

For Release: August 02, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $2 million contract to construct a roadway bridge downstream of Palisades Dam as an enhanced security measure to correct vulnerabilities related to motor vehicles traveling across the top of the dam located on the Snake River about 70 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Cannon Builders, Inc. of Blackfoot, Idaho was awarded the contract today August 1, 2011.

The 310 foot long three span bridge will be about 1,900 feet downstream of the dam. Construction will begin in October 2011 and completed around September 2012. Construction on the piers and bridge deck will take place between November 2011 and March 2012, when stream flows and boater use are at their lowest.

"This new bridge will help to provide travelers with safe access over the Snake River while also enhancing the safety and security of Palisades Dam," said Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor. Reclamation's Snake River Area Office distributed a Finding of No Significant Impact/Final Environmental Assessment on March 24, 2011, identifying the construction of the bridge as the preferred alternative.

Palisades Dam was constructed by Reclamation in 1957 as part of the Palisades Project. It is a multipurpose facility that provides irrigation, flood control, hydropower, and recreation.

For more information, please contact Mr. John Tiedeman, Activity Manager, at (208) 378-5034. Information about the Palisades Dam Security Enhancement Project can be found at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/palisades/index.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/idaho/palisades/index.html