Cedar Rapids Approved Eighth Avenue Bridge Replacement

The city council greenlit a $123 million plan to replace the 88-year-old bridge with a modern cable-supported structure.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern cable-stayed bridge tower and single concrete river pier, representing structural infrastructure. — The Cedar Rapids City Council has approved a $123 million contract to replace the aging Eighth Avenue Bridge with a new, cable-supported river crossing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the allocation of $123 million for the local Eighth Avenue bridge replacement project?

The Cedar Rapids City Council has officially approved plans and contracts for a $123 million project to replace the structurally deficient Eighth Avenue Bridge. The new bridge will feature a 175-foot tower and will serve as a critical crossing for emergency and flood operations.

Why it matters

Replacing the bridge addresses the structural concerns of the 1938-era crossing while simultaneously integrating essential flood wall infrastructure to protect the city. By combining these projects, officials estimate they will save between $7.5 million and $10 million in total costs.

The project budget is set at $123 million, with $62.4 million covered by U.S. Department of Transportation grants and an additional $1 million from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The current 88-year-old structure handles over 20,000 vehicles daily.

The players

Cedar Rapids City Council

This local governing body is responsible for municipal legislative decisions, including the approval of infrastructure projects and budget allocations for the city.

U.S. Department of Transportation

This federal agency oversees the nation's transportation systems and provided a $62.4 million grant to support the Cedar Rapids bridge project.

Iowa Department of Transportation

This state-level agency is responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of Iowa's multimodal transportation infrastructure.

The details

The current structure will be demolished to make way for a new cable-supported design that features a single river pier rather than the existing seven. The updated bridge includes a 14-foot-wide pedestrian and cyclist pathway and is engineered to last for 200 years.

The current Eighth Avenue Bridge originally opened to traffic in 1938.
City Council members officially approved the bridge replacement plans on September 22, 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2027.
The full project is slated for completion in 2030.

Market Landscape

This project follows a pattern of flood-resilient infrastructure investment established after the 2008 Cedar River flood. The design incorporates critical features to ensure the crossing remains operational for emergency and flood operations during future high-water events.

Commuters currently relying on the 20,000-vehicle-per-day crossing can anticipate future traffic disruptions as the 88-year-old structure is demolished and replaced. The new design offers improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists through its dedicated 14-foot pathway.

The takeaway

The replacement of the Eighth Avenue Bridge reflects a broader trend of local governments prioritizing long-term durability and flood resilience in critical infrastructure. Residents should prepare for a three-year construction timeline as the city transitions to the new 200-year-lifespan design.

What happens next

City staff will begin the formal bidding process to select a contractor for the project, with construction mobilization expected to begin in the spring of 2027.