Supervisors approve plans and DOT agreement to use federal bridge funds for Little Mosquito Creek span

The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 25 approved plans and specifications for a bridge project described in the meeting as located at “A Hundred And 50 Fifth Street at 70 over Little Mosquito Creek,” and authorized a DOT agreement to use federal bridge funds for the same project. County Engineer Brian Orchoski said the project has progressed past plan-check and is moving into final plans, with an anticipated letting through the Iowa Department of Transportation in December 2025. Orchoski said the replacement bridge will be longer and significantly wider than the current structure to meet updated design standards. The board also approved DOT agreement number 525HBPSO22, a standard agreement to utilize federal bridge funds; Orchoski said all project costs covered by the agreement will be funded with federal funds. The motion to approve both the plans and the funding agreement passed during the meeting. Orchoski provided construction updates on other county projects: pavement removal progressing on Stewart Road near Fruitland and a preconstruction meeting was held for the 160th Street bridge replacement; that bridge contractor planned to begin work within a few weeks pending materials procurement and supplier feedback. Orchoski estimated the 160th Street bridge work could take “about 2 and a half to 3 months,” noting durations depend on crew size and weather. The board did not discuss detailed budget breakdowns, utility relocations, or property impacts during the meeting record; implementation will proceed under DOT letting and standard project administration.