Decorah council hires WHKS for College Drive Bridge design amid public concern about extended closure

The Decorah City Council voted to hire WHKS for design and construction administration services for the College Drive Bridge project, approving a $51,600 professional services agreement on a motion that passed by voice vote.

The contract will fund design, a 30% plan review by the council, and construction-phase services on an accelerated schedule that staff said could put construction between mid‑August and Oct. 31. The city manager and staff warned the accelerated schedule likely requires the bridge to be closed for the duration, though WHKS will study whether temporary lane restrictions or alternating traffic signals can keep some vehicle access open.

The matter drew the most pointed public comment of the meeting. "We've heard that the city may be considering completely closing the College Drive bridge for repair. We've seen closure estimates up to 2 and a half months," said Daryl Jensen, a Decorah resident. "We feel that any closure over a week would…