Fairfield receives grant to replace Crow Creek bridge

The city recently took ownership of the Burlington Avenue bridge over Crow Creek, which until late 2020, was owned by Jefferson County. The change was done to better position the community for grant funding, which paid off in the award from the Iowa DOT.

The bridge, which was constructed in 1954 and now includes a trail underpass, is nearing its life expectancy and is showing signs of deterioration. This indicated to the city and county the bridge would score well in the city bridge program through the Iowa DOT. An application was submitted in October 2020 after the transfer of ownership was completed.

The estimated project cost is $1.3 million. Jefferson County will contribute $150,000 to the project from funds it received from the DOT when the city took ownership of the bridge. The city will fund the remaining costs. The project will include lengthening and slightly raising the bridge to meet current design standards and to better accommodate the trail.

Construction will occur in spring 2022 at the earliest. The Fairfield City Council is expected to act on accepting the funds at its next council meeting on Feb. 22.