GRACE − Residents traveling on Center St. should plan for detours the next few months as the city of Grace moves forward with a long-anticipated bridge replacement project aiming to improve safety and traffic flow.

Center St. is a vital access road for the community, but the canal crossing at Center St. and E 8th St. has only been a narrow bridge allowing one vehicle to pass at a time. Construction is well underway, with road closure and detour signs already posted.

While the contractor has until May 1 to complete the project, Grace Mayor David Pristupa is hopeful the work will wrap up much earlier with a targeted completion date for late March. Much of the timeline will be determined on weather conditions, material availability and construction progress.

The bridge replacement project was originally scheduled for fall of 2025 but due to other contractor obligations the start date was forced to be delayed.

Safety concerns are a key factor in the decision to move forward with bridge replacement as the former bridge measured roughly 20 feet wide, making two-way traffic difficult and at times hazardous, especially with large farm equipment, heavy trucks and construction vehicles known for regularly crossing the bridge.

The upgrade will feature a 28-foot wide stiff-legged culvert, allowing two vehicles to pass safely at the same time. Pristupa said the added width will significantly improve safety as well as convenience for daily drivers.

During the closure, the roadway will have no access points on Center St. Detour signs are posted at the north and south ends of town as well as at Center St. and Main St. warning and directing traffic around the closure. The detour route is currently along North Mingo Road and Mcpherson Canyon Road to bypass the work zone area.

There are traffic barriers and closure signs on both sides of the site to ensure the safety of all workers during construction.

City officials are aware of the temporary inconvenience, but said the short-term disruption is worth the long-term benefits. Emergency personnel are also aware of the closure and will also be using the detour routes.

The project was approved by the Grace City Council in July 2025 with a contract agreement cost of $1.1 million with funding also coming from an Idaho Transportation Department grant alongside city funds.

To keep Grace residents informed, Pristupa said the city website and Facebook page will be sharing updates in addition to posted signage. Residents with concerns or further questions are encouraged to contact city hall directly.