Gilbert Street reopens following bridge replacement project

The Gilbert Street Bridge has reopened to pedestrian traffic and partially reopened to vehicular traffic, effective today, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, following the replacement of the bridge that runs over Ralston Creek. All lanes of the bridge are expected to be open by Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.

The former bridge, which was built in 1972, was rated as structurally deficient and in need of replacement. The new design includes six-foot sidewalks with a safety barrier between the roadway and sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety.

Other upgrades include streambank stabilization, water main improvements, and larger storm sewer from the creek to Court Street to reduce ponding during heavy rain events. For more information on the project, visit icgov.org/gilbert.

Transit routes on Gilbert Street resume

Effective Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, detours will end on the 1-South Iowa City, 4-Downtown Shuttle, and 5-Lower Muscatine with the opening of the Gilbert Street Bridge.

Service will resume to six stops:

• Court Street @ Dubuque Street (Stop 7003)
• Court Street Transportation Center (7004)
• Court Street @ Gilbert Street (Stop 7005)
• Gilbert Street @ Prentiss Street (Stop 7007)
• Gilbert Street @ Bowery Street (Stop 7008)
• Gilbert Street @ Court Street (Stop 7500)

The three temporary stops, located on Dubuque Street and Court Street, Gilbert Street and Bowery Street, and on Prentiss Street and Gilbert Street will no longer be serviced.

Use the Transit App to plan your ride, get predicted arrival times, or get real-time updates on bus location on your phone. Visit icgov.org/transit to learn more about Fare Free Iowa City, a two-year pilot program that means every ride on Iowa City buses is free for everyone.