Rainbow Bridge

Orchid: Excellence in Historic Preservation

Idaho Transportation Department

For the restoration of the historic Rainbow Bridge on SH55

This bridge over the Payette River on one of Idaho’s busiest state highways was constructed in 1934 from a design by Charles Kyle, Idaho’s first State Bridge Engineer. Having seen significant deterioration caused by time, weather, and winter de-icing techniques, the bridge was considered as a possible candidate for demolition. However, the Idaho Transportation Department recognized the importance of this structure and its architectural and cultural significance and decided instead to undertake an intensive restoration. This project expended over 4 million dollars to completely rebuild the bridge railings while employing a unique and complicated method to extract the harmful salts from the bridge’s substructure. The agencies appreciation of the state’s cultural heritage is the obvious reason why Preservation Idaho is proud to honor ITD for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

For additional information visit www.itd.idaho.gov.