UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD BRIDGE

Project Location

Council Bluffs, IA

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Reconstruction of the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge began in September 2017 and was completed August 2019. Bridge reconstruction was necessary to allow for increased capacity on I-29. Partnering with Union Pacific Railroad, Iowa DOT rebuilt the existing bridge from five tracks to three tracks due to improvements made to the local yard operations. Bridge design was optimized so the roadway grade did not need to be altered during construction. Iowa DOT also worked with the City of Council Bluffs during design to extend the bridge span to allow for a possible, future, local street on the west side of I-29.

The Union Pacific Railroad Bridge is located approximately one-half mile north of the I-80/I-29 interchange.

Project benefits included:

Improved yard operations resulting in fewer tracks
New Union Pacific Railroad Bridge over I-29, allows for eight lanes of traffic on I-29
Extended bridge span will allow for a possible, future, local street on the west side of I-29