Feasibility study authorized for proposed T-38 bridge over railroad crossing

Jasper County approved a feasibility study for a proposed bridge on Highway T-38 North over train tracks owned by Iowa Interstate Railroad.

County Engineer Michael Frietsch said a feasibility study was discussed in June. The request for proposals were sent out July 9. Jasper County received a total of six responses. Frietsch said his department sorted through the responses to see if they acknowledged the objectives, the approach and other details.

“Experience with Iowa Interstate Railroad was a big one,” he said. “…We looked at schedule. Were they going to be able to meet our schedule that we establish with the RFP? And then we looked at the financials with it. What kind of fee were they going to be charging and did we think they broke that cost estimate.”

Frietsch also noted that he and staff scored the RFPs based on these types of factors. The firm that scored the highest was Benesch, which was a firm that was recommended to the county by Iowa Interstate Railroad. Frietsch said Benesch has good experience with the railroad and building railroad bridges.

According to Benesch’s website, the firm has completed inspections and strength ratings for all bridge spans operated on by Iowa Interstate Railroad.

“They are very equipped to do something like this and do a feasibility study,” he said. “I was surprised their fee was $35,000, which I thought was very reasonable for what we’re asking them to do and the timeframe we’re asking them to do this work. So I thought that was very reasonable.”

Other firms estimated the study would cost between $39,776 and $60,700.

The board of supervisors voted 3-0 to move forward with Benesch. Frietsch said the next step is to draft a professional design services agreement with the firm.

“Full disclosure, we have in our program a project for FY2028 to replace the pavement on T-38 North,” Frietsch said, noting it is a specific section from I-80 to US-6 East. “…We’ve got $1.2 million already programmed for that.”

Frietsch hopes the county can complete both projects — the bridge and the pavement replacement — at the same time.