The iconic footbridge over Hubble Creek in Jackson City Park is out, and is being replaced by a new bridge, which should be open to foot traffic by the end of March, according to a city official.

The new bridge was shipped in on a truck Monday, Jackson administrative services director Rodney Bollinger wrote in an email.

The project's consulting engineer, Koehler Engineering, inspected the structure upon arrival, then observed the setting by contractor Brockmiller Construction.

Brockmiller is also the contractor for the nearby city park restroom project.

"Barring anything unforeseen, the replacement bridge should be in place by the end of the day [Tuesday]," Bollinger wrote.

The structure for the new bridge does not include the concrete bridge deck or approaches, Bollinger added, and work on those will be completed before the end of March, weather permitting.

Substantial completion is expected March 23, Bollinger wrote, with final completion and opening set for March 30, weather permitting.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at a later date.

Brockmiller's bid of about $68,000 to replace the bridge was lowest and best, according to Chris Koehler of Koehler Engineering at a November Board of Aldermen meeting.

The old bridge, which was removed Mar. 6, dated to the 1980s, and at some point, its metal was painted, causing it to deteriorate faster.

The old bridge's wooden deck had also deteriorated.

A city crew discovered the cause for concern while decorating for Christmas in fall 2016, and after Koehler Engineering performed a structural analysis, determined the bridge was not in danger of failure but did need to be repaired.

City staff determined that the bridge should be replaced rather than repaired, as debris from repairs could escape into the creek, and at more that 30 years old, the bridge was nearing the end of its life, according to earlier reporting by the Southeast Missourian.

The city gave the notice to proceed Dec. 14, 2017, Bollinger wrote in an email Tuesday, and work began mid-February.

"There have been no delays in the project that I'm aware of," Bollinger wrote. "In fact, I think they are ahead of schedule."

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

Jackson City Park