Reaching toward Nebraska

Reaching toward Nebraska The Newcastle-Vermillion Missouri River bridge is moving forward at pace that is bringing smiles to residents on both sides of the river. The Newcastle-Vermillion Missouri River bridge is moving forward at pace that is bringing smiles to residents on both sides of the river. The bridge has finally reached the stage of construction that allows work at both ends and the center of the structure. In this photo, looking south on the South Dakota side, workers are in the process of preparing the deck of the bridge to receive the first concrete pour scheduled for this week. Two layers of reinforcement bar have been laid on the plywood form and the joints of the horizontal and longitudinal bars are individually wired together by hand. Beyond the green rod in the photo, the plywood form is apparent and four huge supportive beams go on beyond that to a point just past the second pier that is in the water. Jensen Construction workers are also busy in the middle of the river pouring the cap on the center pier that will support the steel girders. An unfinished pier is between the steel ends and the barges. Beyond the barges are two more drill shafts that have been poured and are awaiting completion. On the Nebraska side of the river, a crew is in the process of drilling the very last shaft that will support the bridge on that end. Some of the drilling crew and crane operators will be moving on to another bridge project in Oklahoma. Some commented that they worked through one of the worst winters they had ever experienced, and are happy to be moving closer to home, families, and warmer temperatures.