Sioux County has awarded Dixon Construction a $1.44 million contract to replace two bridges over Dry Run Creek, including the closed crossing on Dogwood Avenue.
The combined contract covers projects on Dogwood Avenue and 280th Street. Supervisors approved the award September 29, contingent on County Engineer Joel Sikkema’s final review.
In a follow-up email to Sioux County Radio, Sikkema said he was waiting for the company to sign and return it.
Nearly $1.25 Million in FEMA Funding
Sikkema said the projects have a combined $1,249,000 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The bid and funding amounts break down as follows:
| Project | Construction Bid | FEMA Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Dogwood Avenue | $759,075.00 | $573,000 |
| 280th Street | $683,926.65 | $676,000 |
| Total | $1,443,001.65 | $1,249,000 |
“Although we had to wait, it was worthwhile because these bridges will be much more flood resilient,” Sikkema wrote.
Dixon submitted the lowest of five bids for the combined contract. Sikkema told supervisors the bids came in slightly below the county’s estimate.
Longer Bridges, with Dogwood Prioritized
Both replacements will be continuous concrete slab bridges. During the meeting, Sikkema explained how their dimensions compare with the previous crossings.
“One’s 120 feet long, one’s one hundred and thirty feet long. And like I said before, both of these bridges were like on the 60 foot range before the flood.”
Sikkema said the schedule prioritizes Dogwood Avenue because that crossing is completely closed.
The contract’s late-start dates are April 5, 2027, for Dogwood Avenue and May 17, 2027, for 280th Street. Those dates establish when work must begin, rather than when the bridges will reopen.
The contractor would be allowed to start earlier once the contract is executed, including work this winter. At the meeting, Sikkema said the contract would return to supervisors for signing after Dixon completed its paperwork.
