The Iowa Department of Transportation’s replacement of the Skunk River Bridge is on schedule. The replacement of the bridge on Highway 1 between Washington and Brighton began in late January. According to state DOT Field Services Coordinator, Jason Huddle, the project could be finished by October, but there may be delays due to spring weather, as that area is prone to flooding.

Now that the old bridge has been removed, crews are now working on the installation of pillars in the Skunk River for the new one.  Huddle shares the bridge will have 10 foot wide shoulders and 12 foot lanes, making it much wider than the old river crossing.

Traffic is being detoured for the time being. If a motorist is driving south on Highway 1, Iowa DOT Construction Engineer Jared Klein says they will take Highway 92 to South Iowa Avenue/Wayland Road/County Road W55, then take Coppock Road/County Road W47 before turning right on Iowa 78.