The long-awaited Gilbert Street bridge replacement project is set to kick off on April 1, marking the beginning of a significant infrastructure overhaul in Iowa City. The project, aimed at completely replacing the aging bridge and improving surrounding infrastructure, will be undertaken in several phases over the course of several months.
According to a release from the City of Iowa City, the project will be executed in multiple phases to ensure minimal disruption to the community. The first phase, scheduled to begin on April 1 and conclude on April 8, will entail closures at the intersection of Court Street and Gilbert Street. However, the Gilbert Street bridge itself will remain open during this initial phase.
Awarded to the Boomerang Corporation based in Anamosa, Iowa, the project comes with a hefty price tag of over $3.7 million. Fortunately, the project qualifies for federal funding through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s City Bridge Program, allowing for up to 80% reimbursement with a cap of $1 million.
Subsequent phases of the project will see further closures and disruptions, with Court Street reopening on April 8 while the Gilbert Street bridge closes for reconstruction. The entire bridge removal is slated for completion by late May, with reconstruction expected to extend until late September. The final phase, encompassing site cleanup and finishing touches, is anticipated to conclude in late fall 2024.
Throughout the duration of the project, several transit routes, including the South Iowa City, Downtown Shuttle, and Lower Muscatine bus routes, will be affected. Residents and commuters are advised to plan accordingly and expect delays during construction periods.
In addition to replacing the bridge, the project will also address various infrastructure deficiencies identified during a 2019 inspection. These include cracks on the bridge’s surface, erosion near the streambank, and a lack of barrier rails between the pedestrian walkway and vehicles. The comprehensive overhaul aims to enhance safety and functionality for all users.
Originally slated to commence in 2023, the project faced delays after the city received no bids from contracting companies. Consequently, the start date was pushed to 2024, culminating in the forthcoming April 1 kickoff.
As the Gilbert Street bridge replacement project gets underway, the City of Iowa City remains committed to ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency throughout the construction process. With careful planning and community cooperation, the project promises to deliver a safer and more resilient infrastructure for generations to come.