The I-380 viaduct in downtown Cedar Rapids isn’t just another bridge. It’s a daily lifeline for thousands of drivers moving through the heart of the city. When the Iowa DOT needed help wrapping up the complex rehabilitation of the 17-span, 1,761-foot-long northbound and southbound viaducts, Schemmer stepped in to provide a final design check and ultimately much more.

Originally tasked with reviewing the final design, our role expanded quickly due to internal changes at the DOT. As the project neared letting, Schemmer took over full design and drafting of the finger-type expansion joints and drainage system updates. With a fast-approaching deadline and limited time to spare, our team moved quickly to keep the project on schedule.

The geometry of the viaduct, which is skewed, curved, and built with continuously welded plate girders, presented its own set of challenges. The as-built documents didn’t match what was encountered in the field, and weekend-only construction windows left zero room for error. So, we built tolerance into the design and worked closely with the contractor and IDOT District 6 to plan for the unexpected. If something in the field didn’t match the as-built drawings, there was a backup plan.

What made the biggest difference? Our people. When construction was underway, our engineers were available on weekends, answering questions and solving problems in real time.  This helped ensure traffic was able to utilize the full bridge width before Monday morning commuters hit the road.

This project shows what happens when technical precision meets real-world urgency. It’s the kind of work that keeps communities moving safely, efficiently, and without missing a beat.