Des Moines' Guthrie bridge to get a makeover

The Guthrie Avenue Viaduct over the Union Pacific Railroad is getting a $6.5 million makeover next year.

Why it matters: It connects businesses and neighborhoods on the city's northeast side, but has been listed as being in "fair/poor" condition by city inspectors since 2019.

Catch up fast: The four-lane bridge was built in 1978 and has since gone through other high-priority repairs.

• A joint replacement and strengthening project was completed in 2015, but a more extensive rehab was postponed.

What's happening: The City Council approved an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation last month for the larger makeover, with a federal grant paying $2 million of the bill.

• Decking will be repaired and lanes reconfigured to add a 10-foot-wide trail section along the bridge's south side.
• The city also plans to update traffic signals and reconstruct the Delaware Avenue intersection.

What's next: Construction is expected to begin next year and be completed in 2025.

• The repairs will extend the functional life of the bridge up to 25 years.