Gordon Drive Viaduct to Close for Structural Analysis
The Iowa DOT will close the Gordon Drive Viaduct in Sioux City on Wednesday, November 18, with detours in place.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Safety
The Iowa Department of Transportation will close the Gordon Drive Viaduct in Sioux City on Wednesday, November 18, so engineers can perform structural analysis on the existing bridge. Detours will route eastbound and westbound traffic through downtown streets.
Why it matters
The analysis is preparation for the Gordon Drive Viaduct and Bacon Creek Conduit reconstruction project, which begins in 2027. Drivers in Sioux City should plan alternate routes during the closure.
The closure is expected to last at least one week, according to the scheduled notice. Officials have not specified whether the closure will run longer, and will provide updates if it does.
The players
Iowa Department of Transportation
The Iowa Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for planning, building and maintaining Iowa's highways and bridges, including the Gordon Drive Viaduct in Sioux City.
The details
Eastbound traffic will detour north on Virginia Street to 5th Street, east to Iowa Street, north to 6th Street, east to South Fairmount Street, and south to Gordon Drive. Westbound traffic will detour north on South Fairmount Street to 6th Street, west to Virginia Street, and south to Gordon Drive.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 18, 2026: Gordon Drive Viaduct closure begins for structural analysis.
2027: Reconstruction of the Gordon Drive Viaduct and Bacon Creek Conduit begins.
Seasonal Patterns
Structural analysis closures like this one are typically scheduled in late autumn, ahead of reconstruction work that begins in the following construction season. The November timing places the closure before winter weather limits field inspection.
Drivers who normally use Gordon Drive should plan detours through downtown Sioux City starting November 18. Allow extra travel time on Virginia Street, 5th Street, Iowa Street, 6th Street and South Fairmount Street while the viaduct is closed.
The takeaway
Plan alternate routes now if you regularly cross the Gordon Drive Viaduct, since the closure begins in five days and detours will add travel time.
What happens next
Reconstruction of the Gordon Drive Viaduct and Bacon Creek Conduit is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Further reading
For more on road hazards and driver precautions, see Safety coverage in Sioux City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ktiv.
