News Release Archive

Temporary Lane Closure over American Falls Dam

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov

For Release: June 29, 2017

American Falls Dam in IdahoAMERICAN FALLS, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation will temporarily close one of the westbound lanes on Highway 39 over American Falls Dam, beginning Monday, July 10 through Friday, Sept. 1.

Traffic will be restricted to the outermost lane across the dam while crews perform maintenance. This lane closure will be in place Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sept. 1.

Wide-load vehicles are prohibited from crossing the dam during the specific work hours. Such vehicles traveling westbound should seek alternate routes or travel outside the posted work hours.

“We apologize for the delays this may cause,” said Keith Brooks, civil engineer with the Upper Snake Field Office. “Our crews will be working steadily through the summer to complete the work and re-open the inside lane.”

American Falls Dam was originally completed in 1928. The dam is part of the Minidoka Project and is located on the Snake River near American Falls. In 1978, the dam was reconstructed and replaced under the authority of Reclamation’s Safety of Dams Act.

# # #

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.