Bridgework continues on Dunlap pedestrian bridge
By Jill Schaben
For the Harrison County Reporter
Work is moving forward on the replacement of two pedestrian bridges in Dunlap, with the existing bridges at South Seventh and South 10th streets recently removed by City of Dunlap workers.
The removals are the latest step in an ongoing community effort to replace Dunlap’s aging pedestrian bridges and maintain safe connections for residents traveling throughout town.
New bridges for the Seventh and 10th street crossings have been constructed by Joe’s Welding of Denison. Funding for the bridges was provided through a grant from the Dean J. King Family Foundation, with the City of Dunlap partnering on site preparation and installation work.
The Seventh and 10th street bridges are part of a network of pedestrian bridges that has connected neighborhoods across Dunlap for generations. Six pedestrian crossings span the watershed running through town, with another bridge located near the dam at Pleasant View Park.
The exact age of some of Dunlap’s former pedestrian bridges is difficult to determine, although historical records show footbridges were in use in the community prior to 1945. The watershed itself was significantly altered as part of a federal watershed project completed in the 1960s.
Replacing the aging structures has become a multiyear community improvement effort.
In 2024, a new 52-foot pedestrian bridge was installed near the dam at Pleasant View Park with funding from an Iowa Department of Natural Resources Resource Enhancement and Protection grant.
The Seventh and 10th street replacements will continue that effort, with additional pedestrian bridge improvements being pursued as funding becomes available.
The projects have been made possible through partnerships among local organizations, grant funders and the City of Dunlap. The city has assisted with site work, concrete approaches and installation, while grant funding has helped cover the cost of the new bridge structures.
Residents are encouraged to use alternate routes around the Seventh and 10th street crossings while work continues.
