In a very rare move, a construction project is beginning in February. Three bridges on US 30 between Calamus and Wheatland, all turning 70 years old, are going to be replaced this year. The DOT press release says work will start Monday and go into December!
These bridges are original to the 1955-56 relocation of US 30 between Clarence and Calamus. They supplanted the 1931 bridges to straighten US 30 through the Wapsipinicon River area that themselves replaced 1922 Lincoln Highway-era bridges.
One-lane traffic will be controlled by stoplights. Detouring to old 30 is not an option because the 1931 bridge over the main channel of the Wapsi has been closed for some time, not even safe enough for one-lane traffic.