News : The City of Shellsburg announces grand opening of new Smith Street Bridge

The City of Shellsburg invites the public to join community leaders for the grand opening of the new Smith Street Bridge. The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, November 16th. City officials and guests will present information about the bridge; the program will last about 30 minutes and will end with a ceremonial parade of vehicles signifying the decades of service provided by the old bridge and a transition to the future.

"We are very proud to be opening this new bridge into town. It has been an enormous project for a small town, but we have had tremendous assistance from all parties involved. I am confident this bridge will serve generations of Shellsburg residents long and faithfully, just as its predecessor, the historic 110 year old spandrel bridge has done for many generations." - Lonnie Speckner, Mayor, City of Shellsburg

Planning for a new bridge began in 2020 when the city became eligible for an Urban Bridge Funding Grant of $1,000,000 administered through the Iowa Department of Transportation to repair or replace the historic Pearl Street Bridge, a concrete-filled, spandrel arch bridge built in 1915, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additional funds of $600,000 were awarded through the Surface Transportation Block Grant administered by the East Central Iowa Council of Governments. General obligation bonds in the amount of $600,000 were arranged by city officials to complete the anticipated 2.2-million-dollar project.

Peterson Contractors Incorporated led the construction work, which began in March of 2023. Engineers from Origin Design oversaw the project. The new bridge is 181' long and 30' wide. It is a 4 span structure. Design and financial planning for this project includes renovations recommended for the old bridge which will be done in 2024-2025, to make it more suitable for pedestrian traffic.

The community wishes to thank Mayor Lonnie M. Speckner and Utility Superintendent Rick Robertson for their leadership and oversight of this immense project. City leadership views the pedestrian bridge as a unique attribute, presenting an opportunity for community gatherings and events.

The new bridge will serve the community of Shellsburg for many years and represents an improved gateway to the Shellsburg business district. The recently updated streetscape and active downtown will be waiting to welcome residents and visitors as they cross over Bear Creek.

Immediately following the ceremony attendees are invited to explore the downtown for a "Sip and Shop", where downtown retailers will feature refreshments, special offers and Shellsburg hospitality.

The City of Shellsburg is a community of 1,000 residents just 12 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. It features an 18-hole golf course, shops, parks, access to a state park and close proximity to Cedar Rapids, all of which are reflected in the city's theme, "Life at Your Own Pace".