YANKTON, S.D. (AP) Work on the Discovery Bridge at Yankton is ahead of schedule with crews ready to begin installing the steel girders.

The construction contract awarded to Jensen Construction calls for the $23.9 million bridge over the Missouri River to be finished by the end of 2009. After being awarded the project last May, the company said it planned to have it finished by the end of 2008.

More recently, construction officials said they anticipated the bridge will be opened in October.

“I feel pretty comfortable that we’ll make that,” said Dan Timmons, vice president of Jensen Construction.

Reduced water releases from Gavins Point Dam, a lack of ice on the river and familiarity with Missouri River projects has helped speed up construction work.

Jensen Construction, of Des Moines, Iowa, also built the Vermillion-Newcastle, Neb., bridge and the Running Water-Niobrara, Neb., bridge.

Today's top stories

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project

Volvo CE Continues to Perform, Transform During Slower Q1 2024

American Bridge Co. Leads Conn.'s East Haddam Swing Bridge Project

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Common Ground Alliance Hosts Conference & Expo in Colorado On Preventing Utility Damages

Going Beyond Diversity: Star Equipment's Rental Advantage

Volvo CE Launches Updated L30, L35 Compact Wheel Loaders