About the Project
Project Name
Buckhorn Creek Road Bridge Replacement
Location
Idaho County, Idaho
Year Completed
2025
Contact Info
(208) 476-3617
Contact Via Email
217 College Ave. Suite #5
Orofino, ID 83544
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Thursday
Buckhorn Creek Road Bridge Replacement
The Problem:
Buckhorn Bridge was a 150’ long wood bridge built in the mid 1900’s across the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Deterioration of the wood caps on the abutments and piers along with the south piers deterioration of nearly 90% of the capacity lead to the bridge being deemed a risk for collapse and was closed in July of 2025.
Residents were dependent on access across the bridge to deliver supplies to prepare for the upcoming winter. Debco needed access across the river to stage the components for the new Acrow Bridge, move equipment across the bridge for excavation and installation of micro piles and deliver concrete to the foundation.
Temporary Bridge Supports
Debco Construction hired Keltic Engineering, Eric Hasenoehrl to design and verify temporary bridge supports to allow for local and construction traffic to utilize the bridge until the demo of the existing bridge. The temporary fix allowed residents to utilize the bridge for nearly 2 months while procurement and design for the new bridge was being completed. The installation of temporary supports allowed for construction excavators, dump trucks and forklifts to cross the condemned bridge. Temporary bridge support also allowed for transportation of building materials, New Acrow Bridge components, and concrete for the construction of the south abutment. Supports were designed as to not have any impact below ordinary high water.
🥇 Award-Winning Project
Debco Construction is proud to have received the 2025 Top Gold Award for Excellence in Construction Partnering for the Buckhorn Creek Road Bridge Replacement project. This award recognizes exceptional collaboration, innovation, safety, and successful project delivery under challenging conditions.
Project Overview
The Buckhorn Bridge, a 150-foot timber structure originally built in the mid-1900s, was deemed at risk of collapse due to severe deterioration of its abutments and piers. The bridge was closed in July 2025, cutting off a critical access route for residents and emergency services ahead of winter conditions.
Debco Construction partnered with Idaho County, ITD Bridge Section, HMH Engineering, Keltic Engineering, Acrow Bridge, and LHTAC to deliver a safe, efficient, and timely solution.
Innovative Solutions & Emergency Access
To maintain access while the permanent replacement was designed and fabricated, Debco implemented engineered temporary bridge supports that safely allowed residents, construction traffic, and equipment to continue using the existing structure for nearly two months.
Key accomplishments included:
- Temporary bridge supports designed to avoid impacts below ordinary high water
- Safe passage for residents, emergency vehicles, and construction equipment
- Transport of Acrow Bridge components and concrete across the river
- Clearing 6 miles of heavily vegetated Forest Service road to establish emergency backcountry access
Construction Highlights
- Installation of micro-piles for new foundations
- Construction of new north and south abutments
- Careful demolition of the existing bridge deck
- Removal of bridge beams using Galen Kuykendall’s Thunderbird High-Line logging system, minimizing environmental impact
- Installation of a new Acrow Bridge structure
Award Recognition
This project was honored for:
- Outstanding work-zone safety
- Customer-focused results
- Innovative problem solving
- Effective contract administration
- On-time completion despite emergency conditions
2025 Annual Excellence in Construction Partnering – Top Gold Award
Presented November 13, 2025
North Abutment Support
South Pier Supports
South Abutment Support
Back County Road Access: Debco brushed out 6 miles of heavily vegetated forest service road back road for emergency access.
Back County Road Access: Debco brushed out 6 miles of heavily vegetated forest service road back road for emergency access.
Micro Pile Installation
Micro Pile Installation
South Abutment
South Abutment
Demo Existing Bridge Deck
Using Gayland Kuykendall Logging’s Thunderbird High Line to remove bridge beams
