New bridge

After preliminary discussion started in late 2013, the new E. First Street Bridge is now complete. The original design called for a 24-foot wide deck and 100-foot span at an estimated cost of $525,000. After the City of Monticello secured federal bridge funding via the Iowa DOT, the bridge design was modified to provide for a 30-foot wide deck. Eighty percent of the project will be covered by federal bridge funds, with the remaining 20 percent covered by city funds. The bridge, as constructed, came in at a cost of $505,000. Engineering design and construction observation were estimated to total $150,000. The city share of the total estimated project costs equals $131,000. Prior to accepting federal bridge funding, the city spent approximately $60,000 on preliminary engineering services that are not eligible for federal cost share. Therefore, the total City of Monticello investment in the bridge equals approximately $191,000, much less than the estimated $525,000 that would have been spent if federal bridge funding had not been available and approved by the city council. The city worked with Snyder & Associates to oversee the project, with New Vienna contractor Taylor Construction as the general contractor. The City of Monticello chose to replace the bridge for several reasons including a previously imposed 3-ton weight limit, the fact that the bridge was in generally overall poor condition, and the fact that E. First Street serves many homes located west of the bridge. In late August, city crews worked to clear trees and brush from the area surrounding the bridge. Utility companies were also involved, relocating various poles and lines. Archeological and hydrologic studies also preceded the construction phase of the project. The new bridge deck was raised and the span widened to allow more water from Kitty Creek to flow through during high-water events. (Photos by Pete Temple)