Bettendorf committee advances deck-replacement resolution for bridge at 50 Third and Crow Creek

Public Works Director Brian Schmidt told the Bettendorf City committee that a bridge deck at 50 Third and Crow Creek needs replacement after inspections found failures in sections built with experimental materials. "It's hard to believe that this bridge is already 27 years old," Schmidt said, noting the structure was constructed in three sections using different deck systems and that the eastern portion used problems.

Schmidt said inspection work performed under national bridge inspection standards by the firm named in the transcript as IMEG (the transcript also once refers to IMAG) recommended replacing the failing section. He said the city—s experience with the experimental fiber- and glass-reinforced systems led staff to "stick with the original traditional concrete deck with reinforced concrete bars." "This was funded through a grant," Schmidt added, "I think it was 100%." The presentation noted a prior patch at two joint locations but described the current work as a full section replacement for the affected span.

The committee's chair moved to keep the resolution on tomorrow night's consent agenda as item B; the motion was seconded and approved by voice. The committee did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; staff will return with a formal contract award for council approval when bids are evaluated.

Why it matters: the replacement aims to address a section showing structural distress and to restore a conventional, long-lived deck material the city believes will perform better than the experimental overlays used in portions of the bridge. The project follows inspection guidance under the national bridge inspection standards and is in the city's capital planning.

Next steps: staff indicated bids are expected to be solicited under the project agreement; the resolution was placed on the consent agenda for the next council meeting and a formal award will return to the council for approval.