Replacing an 80-year-old bridge

 AT A GLANCE
» Preparation of concept statement.
» Preparation of environmental data sheets.
» Determination of effect on threatened and endangered species.

The Franklin Street bridge in Center Point, Iowa, has stood strong through harsh Midwestern winters and sweltering summers since 1930. The bridge's condition has been declining over the last 10 years and has recently been categorized as structurally deficient.

In spring 2013, the City had the bridge assessed, and our team helped the City apply for funding based on these findings. The increased deterioration of the bridge prompted the City to request state funding to help rebuild the bridge. The City was waitlisted, a common occurrence with this work because the combination of limited funding and a growing number of aging structures making state funding scarce at best. In spring 2015, the bridge was assessed again and moved up on the listing for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. From 2015 through 2017, our team assisted the City as its engineer to develop the project's budget, scope, schedule and completed the concept statement submittal. The City replaced the bridge in 2019.

In 2017, the City of Center Point hired Fehr Graham to prepare the budget and review the timeline for the bridge's construction. The team compiled and submitted the necessary paperwork to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

As Center Point's City Engineer, Fehr Graham will review the designs for the bridge as needed to ensure it functions in the City's best interest.