Commercial Bridge Repairs

Structural Bridge Repair Services for Municipalities, DOTs & Commercial Clients

Bridges are critical infrastructure assets that require specialized expertise to maintain and repair. Whether dealing with aging masonry arch bridges, deteriorating concrete bridge components, or weather-damaged structural elements, Bi-State Masonry, Inc. provides comprehensive bridge repair services throughout Iowa and Illinois. Since 1999, we have worked with municipalities, state departments of transportation, counties, and private entities to restore and preserve bridge structures across the Des Moines to Chicago corridor. Our crews bring commercial-grade expertise and equipment to every bridge restoration project, delivering results that meet or exceed DOT specifications.

Masonry Bridge Repair & Restoration

Many bridges throughout Iowa and Illinois feature traditional masonry construction, including stone arch bridges and brick-faced structures that have served communities for decades. These historic and functional structures require specialized knowledge to repair properly. Our masonry bridge repair services address the unique challenges of working with stone, brick, and mortar in structural applications where safety and longevity are paramount.

We perform masonry arch bridge repair and restoration work that preserves the structural integrity of these important assets. This includes repointing deteriorated mortar joints using materials compatible with original construction, replacing damaged stone or brick units with matching materials, and addressing water infiltration issues that accelerate deterioration. Our experience with historic structures means we understand how to work with lime-based mortars and period-appropriate materials when preservation is required.

For masonry bridge components such as abutments, wingwalls, and piers, we provide tuckpointing, brick replacement, and full restoration services. We work closely with engineers and project managers to develop repair specifications that address both immediate concerns and long-term durability. Our crews are experienced with the access challenges that bridge work presents, including working over waterways and coordinating with traffic management requirements.

Bridge Concrete Restoration

Concrete deterioration is one of the most common issues affecting bridges in the Midwest. Freeze-thaw cycles, deicing chemicals, and the constant stress of traffic loading take their toll on concrete bridge components. Bi-State Masonry provides concrete restoration services that address spalling, cracking, delamination, and reinforcement corrosion on bridge decks, barrier walls, abutments, piers, and approach slabs.

Our concrete repair process begins with a thorough assessment to identify the extent of deterioration, including areas of unsound concrete that may not be visible on the surface. We use appropriate removal methods to eliminate compromised material down to sound substrate, prepare surfaces for optimal bonding, treat exposed reinforcing steel to prevent future corrosion, and place repair mortars or concrete designed for the specific application. We work with fiber-reinforced, polymer-modified, and shrinkage-compensated repair materials that provide the durability required for bridge structures.

Common bridge concrete restoration services we provide include:

• Spall repair on bridge decks, barrier walls, and structural components
• Crack sealing and epoxy injection for structural cracks
• Full-depth and partial-depth concrete deck repairs
• Abutment and pier concrete restoration
• Approach slab repair and replacement
• Protective coating application for exposed concrete surfaces

Structural Bridge Repairs

When bridge deterioration extends beyond surface damage to affect structural capacity, repairs become more complex and critical. Bi-State Masonry has the expertise and equipment to perform structural repairs on bridge substructures and load-bearing components. We coordinate with structural engineers to execute repair plans that restore or enhance the load-carrying capacity of damaged elements.

Structural bridge repair work we perform includes addressing reinforcing steel corrosion, which is often the underlying cause of concrete deterioration. When rebar corrodes, it expands and causes the surrounding concrete to crack and spall. Our repair approach includes removing contaminated concrete, cleaning and treating corroded reinforcement, applying corrosion inhibitors, and placing repair materials that protect against future deterioration.

For bridges with collision damage, settlement issues, or deterioration affecting structural integrity, we provide repairs to abutments, piers, wingwalls, and other critical components. This may include forming and placing structural concrete, installing supplemental reinforcement, or partial reconstruction of damaged sections. Our experience working on Iowa DOT and Illinois infrastructure projects means we understand the inspection requirements, documentation standards, and quality expectations for this type of work.

Bridge Maintenance & Protective Treatments

Regular maintenance extends the service life of bridges and reduces the need for more extensive repairs. Bi-State Masonry provides preventive maintenance services that protect bridge structures from the environmental conditions that cause deterioration. Addressing minor issues before they become major problems is often the most cost-effective approach to bridge infrastructure management.

Our bridge maintenance services include joint sealing and caulking to prevent water infiltration at expansion joints, deck-to-barrier wall interfaces, and other vulnerable locations. Water is the primary driver of bridge deterioration in Iowa and Illinois, where freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant damage to moisture-saturated materials. Proper joint maintenance keeps water out of the structure where it can corrode reinforcement and damage concrete.

We also provide waterproofing and protective coating services for bridge concrete and masonry. These treatments create a barrier against moisture, deicing chemicals, and other corrosive agents. Applied to new construction or as part of rehabilitation projects, protective coatings can significantly extend the interval between major repairs. We work with penetrating sealers, surface coatings, and membrane systems appropriate for the specific application and exposure conditions.

Additional maintenance services include:

• Drainage system cleaning and repair to ensure proper water management
• Deck coating and overlay systems for enhanced durability
• Cleaning and washing to remove debris and contaminants
• Minor concrete and masonry repairs to address early-stage deterioration

Bridge Repair Clients We Serve

Bi-State Masonry works with a range of clients responsible for bridge infrastructure in Iowa and Illinois. Our commercial masonry expertise and experience with public sector projects make us well-suited for bridge work across different ownership types and project delivery methods.

We regularly perform bridge repair work for:

Our experience with prevailing wage projects and public bid contracts means we understand the administrative requirements, safety protocols, and documentation standards expected on public infrastructure work. We maintain the insurance coverages and qualifications required for bridge projects and have established relationships with general contractors and engineering firms throughout the region.

Whether you are a municipality addressing a deteriorating bridge on a county road, a DOT managing a rehabilitation project on a major corridor, or an engineer developing a repair specification for a client, Bi-State Masonry can provide the masonry and concrete restoration expertise your project requires.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bridge Repairs

What types of bridges does Bi-State Masonry repair?

We repair masonry and concrete components on various bridge types, including masonry arch bridges, concrete beam bridges, and steel bridges with concrete decks and substructures. Our work focuses on the masonry and concrete elements such as abutments, wingwalls, piers, barrier walls, deck spalls, and approach slabs. We work on everything from historic stone arch structures requiring traditional repair methods to modern concrete bridges needing restoration.

What is the service area for commercial bridge repair projects?

We provide bridge repair services throughout the Iowa to Illinois corridor, from the Des Moines area to the greater Chicago suburbs. This includes projects in the Quad Cities region, along major interstate corridors, and throughout the rural counties we serve. For larger DOT or commercial projects, our crews travel to where the work is needed across Iowa and Illinois.

How do you determine what repairs a bridge needs?

Bridge repair scopes are typically developed by engineers based on inspection findings. We work from engineer-developed repair specifications on most public projects. For private bridge owners or preliminary assessments, we can provide field evaluations to help identify deterioration and discuss repair options, though structural repair recommendations should come from a licensed engineer. We offer free estimates for bridge repair projects.

What causes concrete bridge deterioration in Iowa and Illinois?

The Midwest climate is particularly hard on bridges. Freeze-thaw cycles cause moisture in concrete to expand and contract, leading to cracking and spalling. Deicing chemicals used on roadways accelerate corrosion of reinforcing steel. Carbonation, alkali-silica reaction, and normal traffic loading also contribute to deterioration over time. Water infiltration through failed joints is often the underlying cause of many bridge problems.

Can you work on historic masonry bridges?

Yes, we have experience with historic masonry bridge repair and restoration. This includes working with lime-based mortars, matching original stone and brick materials, and following preservation guidelines when required. Historic masonry bridges need specialized knowledge to repair properly without damaging original fabric or compromising their character. We coordinate with historic preservation requirements when applicable.

What are prevailing wage requirements for bridge projects?

Most public bridge projects in Illinois require prevailing wage rates, and many Iowa projects do as well. Prevailing wage means workers must be paid the wage rates established for that locality and trade. Bi-State Masonry regularly performs prevailing wage work and maintains compliance with all applicable requirements. About 20% of our projects are prevailing wage, so we are well-versed in the documentation and reporting requirements.

Request a Bridge Repair Estimate

Bi-State Masonry, Inc. provides free estimates for commercial bridge repair projects in Iowa and Illinois. Whether you have a specific scope of work developed or need an assessment of repair needs, contact us to discuss your project. With over 26 years of commercial masonry experience and crews equipped to handle bridge access challenges, we deliver the expertise your infrastructure deserves. Call us at (309) 786-8800 or use our contact form to get started.