Gilbert Street Bridge replacement delayed in Iowa City

IOWA CITY — Construction of a new Gilbert Street Bridge is likely to be delayed after no bids were received for the project last month.

“City staff is currently working with our consultant to evaluate options for rebidding the project, which is expected to occur later this year,” City Engineer Jason Havel said. “A new bidding process will be initiated once the project is ready to be rebid.”

Havel told The Gazette in an email the lack of bidders was likely due to a “combination of factors,” including a challenging project site, area contractors busy with other projects and the project timeline.

Work on the bridge was expected to start in late April, city staff previously said. The heavily traveled bridge near downtown was expected to be closed for most of the year.

Now, construction and the road closure are expected for 2024. Havel said construction is anticipated for spring 2024.

The $2.9 million project calls for the bridge to be removed and replaced with a new design.

“The scope of the project is expected to remain the same,” Havel said. “However, we are exploring options to make the project more appealing to potential bidders, such as adjustments to the project construction schedule.”

The bridge will remain four lanes, with 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides. Water mains will be improved north of the bridge, and overhead utility lines in the project area will be moved underground.

The Iowa City Council in February approved project details and the estimated cost of construction.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; izabela.zaluska@thegazette.com