Jefferson College’s project to replace the pedestrian bridge on its Hillsboro campus took a big step forward July 31 when the new prefabricated structure arrived and was set in place.
The bridge spans Viking Drive, the main roadway through campus, and connects the area near the Red Parking Lot between the Early Childhood Center and the Field House and the area near the Student Center. The new bridge replaces an old one that had served the campus for 50 years, said John Linhorst, vice president of finance and administration.
Viking Drive has been closed at and near the bridge site during the project.
“On Aug. 12, we are anticipating to have Viking Drive open to vehicle traffic,” Linhorst said. “On Aug. 30, we anticipate the entire scope of work to be completed. We anticipate the bridge to be open to pedestrian traffic in time for the first day of classes on Aug. 19.
“There are a number of landscaping elements and other related matters that need to be done.”
The work began after the conclusion of the spring semester in May.
In December, the college’s Board of Trustees awarded a $558,390 contract to Brockmiller Construction in Farmington to demolish the old bridge and replace it.
Linhorst said the project appears to be coming in slightly higher than anticipated.
“Although nominal, there was an additional cost of $8,820, or 1.5 percent of the initial construction cost, attributed to unexpected rock conditions during excavation, necessitating remediation before bridge installation,” he said.
Linhorst said the old bridge needed to be replaced due to the effects of aging, and the ramp to the bridge did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, adding that the new one meets standards.
He said many Jefferson College students, staff and visitors rely on the bridge daily to safely cross the road.
While Viking Drive has been closed, traffic has been rerouted through the Red Parking Lot.
Linhorst said the new bridge will be eye-catching for anyone driving or walking through the campus.
“Upon completion, students and community visiting the Hillsboro campus will immediately notice the incorporation of ‘Jefferson College’ lettering as a key element of the finished structure, which will also be illuminated and visible at night,” he said.
The project also includes “the construction of an accessible ramp linking the bridge structure to the parking lot,” he added.