BLM: Broken Cable Makes Swinging Bridge Unsafe

HAILEY, Idaho (KLIX) – You might see more sheep crossing highways 20 and 75 in the Wood River Valley soon, according to the Bureau of Land Management, while an historic swinging bridge usually used for livestock awaits repairs.

A broken cable on the Swinging Bridge, which hangs 30 feet above the river and is used by pedestrians and livestock, has made it unsafe for crossing. The bridge connects the Timemrman 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, according to the news release, but when that will happen hasn’t yet been determined.

“Many bands of sheep making their way north to graze summer pastures will be displaced by the bridge’s closure,” the release reads. “Therefore, motorists may notice more bands of sheep crossing Highway 75 and Highway 20 in the next several weeks.”