Keystone Bridge rehab underway
Construction crews from CJ Moyna & Sons of Elkader, in partnership with Taylor Construction from New Vienna, began work on the Keystone Bridge Rehab Project April 4. The bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from now into the fall. (Photo by Willis Patenaude)
The project will stabilize the Keystone Bridge’s downstream wall, replace the attached sidewalk and repair water damage to the stones from the road way. The scope of the project also extends to replacing the walkway and walkway supports on the bridge, replacing the bridge deck with reinforced concrete and drainage system and reconstruction of the driving surface from Main Street to High Street with concrete. (Photo by Willis Patenaude)
According to city officials, the project should be “substantially completed by Thanksgiving.” It is anticipated the bridge will reopen for vehicular use sometime in October. Pedestrians should always have the ability to cross the bridge. (Photo by Willis Patenaude)
This map, courtesy of the city of Elkader, details how people can navigate the community during bridge construction.
Construction crews from CJ Moyna & Sons of Elkader, in partnership with Taylor Construction from New Vienna, began work on the Keystone Bridge Rehab Project April 4.
The project is the result of a 2015 inspection that found major repairs needed to be addressed such as stabilizing the downstream wall, replacing the attached sidewalk and repairing the water damage to the stones from the road way.
The scope of the project also extends to replacing the walkway and walkway supports on the bridge, replacing the bridge deck with reinforced concrete and drainage system and reconstruction of the driving surface from Main Street to High Street with concrete.
The project cost is estimated to be about $3.6 million, while engineering costs are estimated at $655,000. The city of Elkader is responsible for the engineering costs on the project, as well as any incidentals. Due to availability of funding, the city will only need to contribute to the construction cost if change orders are more than 5 percent of the total construction cost.
The Keystone Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic starting April 4, and according to city officials, the project should be “substantially completed by Thanksgiving.” It is anticipated the bridge will reopen for vehicular use sometime in October. Pedestrians should always have the ability to cross the bridge.
The adjacent Keystone Park and the patio below will be closed until the end of the year.
“Preserving history is such an important part of the fabric of Elkader. It is something we really pride ourselves on. The restoration will ensure the bridge is sustainable for another 50 years, so this is planning for the future,” said mayor Josh Pope. “While a modern structure may have a life a little longer than that, restoring the bridge is something valued by many in our community and many former residents? It is on the National Register.”
Pope thanks everyone for their patience during this project.
“We have a good contractor, CJ Moyna & Sons, who will keep on schedule and minimize the inconveniences. They live here too and will experience the detour every day,” Pope added. “With any project, a short-term convenience is needed for a longer-term benefit—in this case a rehabilitated bridge, the preservation of a landmark.”
Construction updates and public notices will be posted on the “City of Elkader” Facebook and Instagram. Look for a special construction icon. Updates will also be posted on the city website at elkader-iowa.com/keystone-bridge-update/. If you have additional questions, contact Elkader City Hall at (563) 245-2098 or elkaderadmin@alpinecom.net.
