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Le Mars schedules public hearing for 24th Street Southwest bridge repair; estimate ~$76,340
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Summary
Council agreed to proceed to a public hearing on repairs to the 24th Street Southwest bridge damaged by a 2022 fire, with a consultant recommending repair of one cross‑frame member and the neoprene trough and staff citing an estimated project cost of $76,340.25 to be funded through road use tax.
City staff presented updated plans and inspection history for the 24th Street Southwest bridge at the March 3 Le Mars City Council meeting and the council agreed to proceed to a public hearing.
Staff (S6) said the bridge suffered fire damage on Feb. 12, 2022, affecting structural steel bearings and a neoprene trough and curtain. Routine inspections by the city’s consultant showed bearing performance is not currently hindered but recommended replacement of one cross‑frame member and the neoprene trough to prevent future damage. Staff recommended moving the project to a public hearing; the calendar presented included a public hearing on March 17, 2026, bids due April 8, 2026, and a council award on April 21, 2026.
An estimated project cost was cited at $76,340.25 to be funded through the road use tax. Staff noted the original estimate that included bearing replacement had been much higher (staff recalled a figure “close to $200,000”), and that a full bearing replacement could require crane work or jacking and longer traffic detours. Council asked about the likely duration of closures; staff did not provide a firm timeline for the repair but said traffic would likely need to be detoured for the neoprene trough work.
Council agreed to put the matter on public notice and seek bids; no construction contract award was made on March 3.
