Squaw Creek Pedestrian Bridge to be Replaced

By Susan Gwiasda

City of Ames

AMES, Iowa  – The pedestrian bridge along the shared-use path between South Fourth Street and South 16^th Street will be replaced by mid-December.  A prefabricated bridge will be delivered to the site in early December, the old bridge removed, and the new bridge will be installed in its place, said Construction Supervisor Justin Clausen. 

“We know the bridge provided a well-used connection within our shared-use path system, and we look forward to reopening the trail to bikers and pedestrians who want to use it,” Clausen said. 

In winter of 2009, the bridge was closed after being damaged by melting ice hitting the support structures. The bridge was assessed, repaired, and reopened. Unfortunately, the force of flood waters in 2010 damaged the approach spans and the remaining support structures, rendering the bridge unusable.  The damaged bridge is a former railroad bridge and is believed to be at least 80 years old.   

The replacement bridge will be constructed of a steel truss system and include treated wood decking and handrail.