Iowa DOT Seeks Public Input on Iowa 141 Bridge Replacement Near Hornick

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public feedback on plans to replace the bridge carrying Iowa Highway 141 over an unnamed creek east of Hornick in Woodbury County. The existing bridge, constructed decades ago, no longer meets current design standards and limits traffic flow. Under the proposed project, the existing structure would be removed and replaced with a longer and wider bridge that can better accommodate large vehicles and increased traffic.

According to the DOT, construction would start in spring 2031 and continue through the end of that year. Because there is no reasonable way to build the new bridge while keeping Iowa 141 open, the highway will be closed during construction. A signed detour will redirect motorists north on County Road K67 to D25, west on D25 to 300th Street and then south on County Road K64 back to Iowa 141. The department said the detour route is intended to keep traffic away from residential areas while providing a safe alternative for local and through drivers.

The DOT is using an online open house to gather community input about the project. Residents and travelers are invited to watch a narrated presentation, review the proposed design and submit comments or questions. Feedback will help engineers refine the plan, select the best bridge type and address concerns about construction timing, local access and impacts to nearby homes and businesses. Comments will be accepted through March 9, 2026. After the comment period closes, the DOT will review input and publish a summary along with responses.

Project planner Sarah Tracy, P.E., emphasized that community participation is important for large projects like this one. "We understand that closing Iowa 141, even temporarily, will inconvenience motorists and affect nearby communities," Tracy said. "We want to hear from the people who use this road every day to make sure our final design meets local needs and minimizes disruptions."

Those unable to access the online open house can request information and provide feedback by contacting Sarah Tracy at 6409 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa, or by calling 855-925-2801 (extension 9021). Email comments can be sent to [email protected]. The DOT will also accept mailed comments postmarked by March 9. Additional details about the project, including displays and a link to the comment form, are available on the DOT’s website. The department encourages all interested persons to engage with the process so that the final bridge design reflects community priorities and ensures safe travel on Iowa 141 for years to come.