The Iowa Department of Transportation says today, crews will block two lanes on Brady Street at Duck Creek. And weather permitting, the bridge replacement project will also begin today.
Iowa DOT District Planner, Sam Shea, says Brady Street is also the business route of US Highway 61 with an average traffic count of nearly 22,000 vehicles per day.
"We're doing it in two stages so we can keep traffic open. But there will be lane reductions. So will close down two lanes on Brady Street on the west side of the bridge. We'll replace that, and then shift folks back over onto the new bridge and close the other two lanes and finish the construction."
Recent inspections show the bridge is showing signs of wear and tear. Shea says it's more than 70 years old and has become too expensive to repair.
"Eventually it gets to a point where the cost to maintain the bridge over the next few years is going to be almost the same cost as replacing the bridge. And then you get more design life because you get more serviceable life out of the replacement. So eventually there's a cost-benefit consideration where it's worth the cost. And you get a better benefit out of replacing the bridge than trying to repair the existing one."
Weather permitting, the $4.7 million project will be completed in November.
To avoid delays, Shea says drivers can choose from a number of alternate routes. On the west side of Davenport that includes Marquette and Division streets. On the east, drivers can use Eastern Avenue and Jersey Ridge Road.
He also reminds drivers to be patient and obey the posted speed limit and other signs. Also be on the alert to avoid hitting construction workers. Everyone should always wear their seatbelts.
