AMES, Iowa – March 26, 2021 – The Iowa Department of Transportation is requesting public input for the proposed replacement of the U.S. 59 bridge over the East Nishnabotna River, one mile north of Iowa 48, on the Page and Fremont County line.  The project includes replacing the existing 372’ x 28’ continuous I-beam bridge with a 541’ x 44’ pretensioned prestressed concrete beam bridge. New bridge approaches and guardrails will be constructed as part of this project.  Construction of the project is anticipated to begin in 2023.

File photo: Pretensioned/prestressed concrete beam bridge

The DOT notes the proposed detour route has been updated: Through traffic on U.S. 59 would be detoured during construction using Iowa 48 to Page County Road M-41 (D Avenue), north to Page County Road J-14, and west to U.S. 59. There will be temporary traffic signals installed at the bridge over the Nishnabotna River on Page County Road M-41.  It is anticipated that the detour would be in place for approximately 120 days.

The East Nishnabotna River is a recreational paddling route and will be closed temporarily during construction.  Signs will be posted during construction that will direct users to a safe place to land a small boat or innertube.  It will be maintained on the upstream side, and a safe place to launch downstream is to be maintained on the downstream side. Information will be posted during construction on the Iowa DNR’s interactive river mapping system.

For general information regarding the proposed improvements please view the information online at www.iowadot.gov/pim