Since April of last year, the bridge west of Richland on Iowa 78 has been closed due to a complete reconstruction. If all goes as planned, the work could be completed by April 2023.

Construction has included lengthening, widening, and raising the bridge, which passes over the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern Railroad. Nearly doubling in size, the new bridge is 467 feet long and 40 feet wide. It will also be 4.5 feet higher than the one it is replacing.

During the reconstruction project, drivers have used a detour route, traveling east and west on H17 in Jefferson County via Highway 1 or Packwood Road. Motorists are asked to continue using the route until work is finished.

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, completion of the bridge is expected on Wednesday, April 12.