Bridge Replacement Project Begins November 17 on Matsell Park Road

If you are planning to visit the Matsell Bridge Natural Area or travel on Matsell Park Road, you need to be aware of an upcoming bridge replacement project that will affect your route.

Starting Monday, November 17, Matsell Park Road will be closed to all traffic at the bridge between Merritt Road and Hart Road for a bridge replacement project. Access to local properties will not be impacted. A detour will be posted for this project. The project is expected to be completed in July 2026.

The bridge replacement project will provide a modern, safer, and more reliable crossing by removing current load restrictions and improving overall functionality. Once complete, the new bridge will accommodate all vehicles, including emergency responders and agricultural equipment, without the need for detours. Designed to meet current engineering standards, it will feature paved shoulders, enhanced flood resilience, and a life expectancy of more than 75 years.

Motorists are reminded to comply with all traffic signs around construction projects. Do not drive around the barricades in place to protect the public and road crews.

Matsell Bridge Natural Area Access

Access to the Matsell Bridge Natural Area will be maintained throughout the bridge replacement project. The following Linn County Conservation areas north of the project site can be accessed via Hart Road to Matsell Park Road:

• Parking lots to Matsell Bridge Natural Area multi-use trails and public hunting areas
• Shooting range
• Red Oak Cabin
• Equestrian campground
• Boat ramp at Wapsipinicon River

The Matsell Bridge Primitive Campground can be accessed via County Home/Fairview Road to Matsell Park Road (south of the project site).

To receive text or email updates on this and other Linn County Secondary Road construction projects, visit LinnCountyIowa.gov/NotifyMe.

For additional information on road closures in the Linn County secondary road system, visit Linn County's road closure and restrictions webpage.