Dedication Planned for Big Wood River Bridge

KETCHUM, Idaho – The new Big Wood River Bridge is quite the piece of art.

Don’t believe it? Come to a ceremony on Sept. 13 for the dedication of the bridge and six locally-inspired sculptures created for the new structure.

The $5.48 million bridge, which was completed on Aug. 17, is the latest project of the Timmerman to Ketchum corridor and includes a widened highway to four lanes and improved wildlife passage under the road.

The art that adorns the bridge was created by Kay Kirkpatrick, a former Ketchum resident. According to the Idaho Transportation Department:

Members of the local arts community recommended the addition of artwork to the new bridge through the Transportation Committee. ITD was able to designate Federal funding to support the artwork. After a lengthy vetting process, Kay Kirkpatrick was awarded the commission.

Kirkpatrick, a former Ketchum resident, designed the sculptures to represent local life and natural surroundings in the Wood River Valley.  Kirkpatrick will be at the dedication to describe her vision and creation of the art.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, near the south end of the Cold Springs trestle bridge adjacent to Idaho Highway 75 south of Ketchum.

ITD asks that visitors park at the north end of Hospital Drive and walk on the Wood River Trail to the dedication site.