During the December 9, 2024, Yankton City Commission meeting, officials addressed critical findings from the latest bridge inspections, highlighting urgent safety concerns regarding two key structures. The inspections, mandated every two years, revealed that while ten of the city’s twelve bridges are in good condition, the Cedar Street Bridge and the 20 Third Street Bridge have been rated as poor, leading to weight limit restrictions.

The Cedar Street Bridge is currently limited to 75% of legal loads due to significant rust and section loss in its substructure. Plans are in place for its replacement in 2025, with a grant application set to be submitted by the end of this year. The 20 Third Street Bridge, which serves a high volume of commercial traffic, has been posted at 50% of legal loads due to deterioration in its deck and structural connections. This bridge, built in 1976, is also scheduled for replacement in 2026, with preliminary engineering already underway.

City officials expressed concern over the 20 Third Street Bridge's condition, emphasizing the need for immediate monitoring due to its heavy usage. Discussions included the potential for expedited design and funding processes to ensure safety and accessibility for emergency services and commercial traffic. The commission is actively exploring funding options to enhance the competitiveness of their grant applications, as the current condition ratings are close to the threshold for funding eligibility.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure public safety and efficient transportation, with city leaders committed to addressing these pressing issues in the coming years. As the city prepares for potential funding applications and project timelines, the focus remains on safeguarding the community's infrastructure and ensuring that necessary repairs and replacements are prioritized.