A multiphase project planned by local veterans groups and the city government aims to make the structure worthy of that name. It calls for new signs identifying the bridge, a plaza at its east end, decorative lighting and emblems of the armed services mounted on light poles.

The goal, according to Navy veteran Mike Larson, is to “do something to make the bridge pop and stand out as a veterans bridge.”

The plan to give the bridge a veterans’ theme was revealed Friday, just a few days before the structure is to reopen to traffic following a monthslong repair project.

Tom Dorsey, adjutant of American Legion Post 130, said fellow veteran Sam Hartman had “bugged” him for the better part of a year about potentially decorating the bridge for veterans. Dorsey said he eventually brought the idea up at an American Legion meeting. The idea was welcomed.

-Submitted image
A sculpture like this may someday be added to the railing of Veterans Bridge on First Avenue South. The sculpture would be part of a multi-phase effort to add a veterans theme to the bridge.

“If we’re going to call it Veterans Bridge we should have something related to veterans,” said Rich Lennon, who is a veteran of the Army and Army Reserve.“With the present state of the world, this will become more important.”

The veterans contacted Mayor Matt Bemrich and City Manager David Fierke. The Fort Dodge Community Foundation, Webster County Department of Veterans Affairs and the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Council also became involved.

The planning process began in April.

Shive Hattery, of West Des Moines, was hired to do the designs.

The first phase of the project envisions metal signs attached to the light poles along the bridge. Some of those signs would be images of folded American flags – a blue triangle with white stars on it. The others would be emblems of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.

-Submitted image
This plaza is proposed for the east end of Veterans Bridge on First Avenue South. Its markers and flags would be a tribute to the nation’s veterans and armed forces.

The second phase would include large monument signs at each end of the bridge, identifying it as Veterans Bridge.

Enhancements to the railings on either side of the bridge would be the third phase.That could include lighting and large stars fastened to the railings.

Construction of a plaza on the southeast side of the bridge would be the third and final phase. The plaza would include flagpoles and some markers.

Cost estimates for all four phases of the project are being calculated now. Once those estimates are received, the veterans groups will begin a fundraising effort to pay for the project.