According to Hoskins, United Contractors has completed the bridge deck on the part that goes over the Des Moines River, and a majority of the roadway paving is also complete. United has also completed work on parts of the bridge rail on the river bridge and continues to form up and pour the remaining sections.

Currently, United Contractors workers are completing the remaining bridge rail, which is the concrete wall next to traffic. In the coming weeks, it should also have work completed on a metal handrail on the edge of both bridges for the trail as well as curb work between both lanes.

“They will also be restoring sidewalks and trails in areas that were disturbed by construction activities,” said Hoskins. “There is lighting that will be installed on both bridges and the subcontractor has recently arrived to start installing that and to make the electrical connections necessary.”

Barring any weather delays, Hoskins said the massive Kenyon Road Bridge project will be completed before the end of the contract period.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
The Kenyon Road Bridge in Fort Dodge is expected to open near the end of December barring weather delays, according to Jenny Hoskiins, resident construction engineer for the Iowa Department of Transportation.

“We hope to open the roadway in late December or early January,” said Hoskins. “Some construction activity will continue after the road is open. The contractor will be working on site restoration, sidewalks and trails and erosion control work.”

The Kenyon Road Bridge project began in November 2023. United Contractors, of Johnston, has a $15.2 million contract from the state to dismantle and replace the westbound bridges.