J-U-B prepared a Biological Assessment for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to replace eight bridges on the Lemhi River and one bridge on Agency Creek. The Biological Assessment determined that the project was likely to adversely affect critical habitat for the three fish species (Bull Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead) and essential fish habitat in the Lemhi River.

J-U-B worked closely with both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Fisheries staff on the Biological Opinion, including mitigation and monitoring measures. J-U-B provided biological monitoring for the in-stream work during the bridge replacements. J-U-B staff assisted ITD in locating and designing wildlife crossings in the project area. Our environmental staff assisted the project team with locating fisherman access turnouts on SH-28, assessing impacts to bat habitat in the area, looking for ways to improve wildlife connectivity including the locating and design of wildlife crossings on SH-28, and addressing impacts to historic resources in the area. Many of the bridge replacement sites areas are located in environmentally sensitive areas with protected species. This required early permitting and consulting processes involving multiple environmental resource agencies including ACOE, NOAA Marine Fisheries, Fish and Wildlife Service, IDFG, BLM, and USGS. 2018 the project was awarded the Idaho Excellence in Transportation Award Large Design Category.