Swinging Bridge over Big Wood River Deemed Unsafe
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SHOSHONE, ID – A broken cable has rendered BLM’s historic swinging Sheep Bridge unsafe for both foot and livestock traffic. The bridge hangs 30 feet above the Big Wood River and connects Timmerman and Bennett Hills with the Wood River Valley at the confluence of Rock Creek.
BLM plans to repair the bridge once engineers have reviewed its structure for soundness. At this time, it is unknown as to when the bridge will be repaired and deemed safe to cross. Many bands of sheep making their way north to graze summer pastures will be displaced by the bridge’s closure. Therefore, motorists may notice more bands of sheep crossing Highway 75 and Highway 20 in the next several weeks.
For additional information, please contact the Shoshone Rangeland Management Specialist Joanna Tjaden at (208) 732-7292.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.