Grimmell Rd bridge project begins next week; detour will be in place

Greene County and the city of Jefferson are partnering to replace the aging bridge on S. Grimmell Rd.  The bridge has been identified as a high-priority replacement project due to its age and condition. This $2.1 million project is funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation and federal bridge replacement funds from Greene County.

The general contractor for this project is Godbersen-Smith Construction of Ida Grove. Work will begin the week of Aug. 19 and construction will take approximately one year. The bridge will be closed during this time with a detour in place. 

The project will involve the complete demolition of the existing bridge structure and the construction of a new, modern bridge designed to handle current and future traffic demands. The new bridge will feature enhanced safety measures, including improved guardrails, widened lanes, and upgraded load-bearing capacity to accommodate heavier vehicles and increased traffic volume.

During construction, S. Grimmell Rd will be closed to thru traffic at the bridge site. A clearly marked detour route has been established, and residents are encouraged to plan accordingly for any potential delays. The marked detour route takes traffic on Westwood Drive / 237th St, K Ave, and County Road P-18.  See the attached map. 

Community impact – The replacement of the S. Grimmell Rd bridge is a significant investment in Jefferson and Greene County’s infrastructure and will have a positive long-term impact on the community. While there may be temporary inconveniences during construction, the new bridge will provide safer and more efficient travel for all residents and visitors.

Public information and updates – Greene County and the city of Jefferson will provide regular updates on the project’s progress through their website and social media channels. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Greene County engineer at 515-386-5650 or engineer@greenecounty.iowa.gov.

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