The Sioux City Council approved a predesign agreement between the city and the Iowa Department of Transportation for the Gordon Drive viaduct reconstruction in their meeting Monday.
The Iowa DOT has hired the engineering firm HDR to complete the initial services and reconstruction design of the Gordon Drive viaduct, including the Bacon Creek Conduit.
The project will span from Rustin Street to Virginia Street and is considered a single construction job.
Sarah Tracey, District 3 Transportation Planner for Iowa DOT, told Siouxland Public Media that the department is still trying to complete the final design and working to contact and negotiate with property owners.
She declined to name businesses that may be impacted, citing ongoing communication efforts.
Siouxland Public Media reached out to local business owners to see how they would be impacted by the reconstruction project.
Asif Khokar, owner of Bacon Creek Country Store, said it’s not only going to impact his business, but it would also displace it.
Michayla Snodgrass, assistant manager of Tastee’s In & Out, told Siouxland Public Media, “We are worried customers from over the viaduct wouldn’t take the detours to come get our food. We are really hoping they keep the one lane each way going through construction.”
Other businesses, including Greenville Barber Shop and Tooth and Claw Tattoo, said they would not be impacted.
The base cost of the project in 2025 is estimated at $197.1 million and is expected to start in July 2027. Funding will come from a combination of state, federal, and local funds.
