News : Shellsburg opens new Smith Street Bridge

City officials in Shellsburg hosted an official ceremony on Thursday, November 16th to honor the historic Sells Street bridge and officially open the new Smith Street bridge.   Mayor Lonnie Speckner provided information about the Sells Street bridge being built in 1915 and serving the community for 108 years.   That bridge will now become a pedestrian bridge.

Mayor Speckner also provided information about the design and funding for the new bridge, with a budget of $2.2 million.  Design Origins, the engineering firm, and PCI, the primary contractor, had representatives present.   The event was well attended by Shellsburg area residents and other guests.   The youth of the community were present to signify that the new bridge will serve the community for many years to come.   After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, youth were the first to cross over the bridge, followed by a parade of cars representing the eras of service by the past bridge and the transition to the future.   
City officials wish to thank everyone who attended this historic event for Shellsburg and who attended the Sip and Shop event immediately following the ceremony.    A video is being made of the ceremony and will include information on the history of the old bridge and other historical and current happenings.   The Shellsburg Area Community Group is taking the lead in creating this video and funding its completion.   
To follow the Shellsburg Area Community Group on Facebook, click HERE!