WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – The Hamilton County Growth Partnership is pleased to announce a major infrastructure investment that will support safety, mobility, and long-term economic vitality in Hamilton County. The 93-year-old Williams Overpass Bridge, located on R75 along the west edge of the City of Williams, will be replaced thanks to a successful multi-county federal grant award and strong local collaboration.
The Williams Overpass Bridge serves as a critical link in the Hamilton County Secondary Road system, connecting residents, rural communities, businesses, and emergency responders. With the bridge now rated “poor” under national standards and approaching the end of its useful life, replacement has become essential to maintain safe and efficient transportation.
The planned project will expand the bridge width from 24 feet to 40 feet and significantly improve sight distances and turning movements for traffic entering or exiting Williams. The project is on schedule for contract letting in spring 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026 or 2027.
Securing funding for this project represented a significant challenge, as the construction cost alone exceeds ten years of Hamilton County’s traditional bridge replacement funds. To address this, Hamilton County partnered with five other Iowa counties—Buchanan, Cedar, Jones, Monroe, and Washington—along with the Iowa County Engineers Association (ICEA), to submit a joint application to the 2024 Federal Bridge Investment Program (BIP).
In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the $38 million, six-county “Building Bridges Today Helping Feed America Tomorrow” grant application. As part of this regional award, Hamilton County will receive up to $4,970,000 to support the construction of the new Williams Overpass Bridge.
To meet the required 20% local match for federal-aid projects, Hamilton County and the City of Williams also secured $1,000,000 through the Iowa DOT City Bridge Fund Program. Hamilton County will contribute an additional $1,243,000 in Local Option Sales Tax and Farm to Market funds to complete the match and finalize the funding package.
The Hamilton County Engineer’s Office and Hamilton County Growth Partnership extend their appreciation to the many partners who contributed to this successful effort, including: Ames Regional Economic Alliance; Calhoun Burns and Associates; Canadian National Railroad; City of Williams; Hamilton County Board of Supervisors; Hamilton County Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Office; Iowa County Engineers Association; Iowa Department of Transportation; Senator Chuck Grassley; Congressman Randy Feenstra; Iowa Senator Dennis Guth; Iowa Representative Shannon Latham; and their respective staff and offices.
This vital project demonstrates the power of collaboration and long-term planning to strengthen infrastructure, support economic growth, and enhance quality of life throughout Hamilton County.
For more information, please contact:
Ottie Maxey, Executive Director, Hamilton County Growth Partnership
ottie@amesalliance.com
Ryan Weidemann, Hamilton County Engineer
rweidemann@hamiltoncounty.org
