Staff provides biennial inspection for all bridges in Marion. Working with Calhoun-Burns & Associates, located in West Des Moines, inspections are performed including structural analysis of the bridges. The City currently owns 15 structures (bridges and culverts) which are under the Federal Bridge Inspection Program. This program requires the inspection and rating analysis for all structures with a span of 20 feet or more. 

The inspection and analysis evaluates the condition of all components of the structure, the approaches and the stream. Components of the structure are evaluated based on defects which affect the integrity and safety of the structure as well as stream conditions which affect the foundations. A structure sufficiency rating is generated (0-100) which is used by the Iowa Department of Transportation to identify structures eligible for funding for replacement. Calhoun-Burns also identify maintenance issues which, if addressed will extend the functional capacities of the structures.

The Sidewalk Advisory Committee meets to discuss and rank the areas in most need of sidewalk.  They use the following general guidelines:

• Heavy pedestrian traffic in areas with no existing sidewalk
• Areas with gaps in the existing sidewalk network
• Sidewalks needs near school areas

Sidewalk installation is the responsibility the adjacent homeowner (notifications are sent out). The City administers this project and covers 50% of the cost.

Questions regarding the Sidewalk Assessment Project can be directed to Engineering at 319-743-6340.

Location descriptions for future consideration for new sidewalk should be submitted in writing along with contact information for the person submitting it. 

Beginning in May 2026, the Sidewalk Inspection Program has been revised to inspect one quadrant of Marion per year. 

City staff walk the sidewalks, marking those that do not meet Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) with pink paint. This is done to ensure that our city sidewalks are user-friendly and safe for residents.

Under Marion City Code Chapter 278 and Iowa Code 364.12, property owners are responsible for maintaining the public sidewalk adjacent to their property.

In 2026, the southwest quadrant was inspected and property owners with defective panels were notified via mailing.

Repair Options

Property owners can fix the sidewalk panels in one of two ways. 

• Option 1: Make the repairs yourself
• Option 2: Make the repairs as part of the City’s Sidewalk Repair Project

If you choose to make the repairs yourself, all repairs must be completed no later than July 26, 2026.

If repairs are not completed by this date, the remaining defective sidewalk panels will automatically be included in the City's sidewalk repair project at the property owner's expense. No extensions to the repair deadline will be granted.

Please note:

• The City's repair project will consist only of complete removal and replacement of sidewalk panels.
• Alternative repair methods permitted under City standards must be completed during the property owner repair period.
• All repairs must comply with the current Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS).
• A Sidewalk Repair Permit must be obtained before any work begins. Permits can be requested by calling 319-743-6340 or by visiting the Marion Public Works Building at 202 44th St., Marion, Iowa
• You will be responsible for complying with all City ordinances, including maintaining proper barricades around removed panels and newly placed concrete until the sidewalk is safe for pedestrian use.

Any repairs not made by the July 26, 2026, deadline will automatically be added to the City’s Sidewalk Repair Project. Following completion of repairs, property owners will be sent an invoice. Any invoice which is unpaid will be added to the final assessment schedule.

Public Hearing

A Public Hearing has been set for July 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers located at Marion City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue, Marion, Iowa 52302. During that public hearing, affected property owners will be able to voice their support or opposition to the assessment.

Special Assessment Process

After the completion of the project, individual property owners will be sent an invoice for their portion of the overall project. This invoice will include a 15% increase to cover administrative costs related to the project. After 30 days, the invoice will be sent to Linn County following the special assessment process.

The special assessment process allows the property owner to pay their invoice through the annual property tax statement. Assessments under $500 will be required to pay in a single payment. Assessments over $500 can be paid in a single payment or split across 10 years worth of annual property tax payments with 9% interest.

Guiding Documents

• Code of Ordinances - Chapter 278 Sidewalk Regulations
• Standards for Defective Sidewalks
• Typical Sidewalk & Right of Way Grading

This annual program includes the the construction of sidewalk ramps in areas with existing ramps that are considered non-compliant and recommended by staff for replacement.

In 2013, an inventory of existing sidewalk ramps was performed utilizing GIS ArcMap and the summer 2012 aerial photographs. From this inventory, it was found that the City of Marion had 3,311 total sidewalk ramps. At the time, only 340 ramps were known to be ADA-compliant. Over the previous year, an updated inventory of existing sidewalk ramps was performed. Staff evaluated all sidewalk ramps that were previously marked partially compliant to see if they met current ADA criteria. As of March 2019, the City has 3,625 ramps, of which 33% are being categorized as ADA-compliant with design standards.

The City is continuing to work on updating sidewalk ramps to bring them into ADA compliance. Each year, roughly $100,000 is allocated to replacing non-compliant sidewalk ramps throughout the City. Staff continues to regularly attend educational seminars to stay up to date on the latest specifications regarding ADA compliance. Currently, staff is working on implementing a sidewalk ramp inspection program to ensure that all new sidewalk ramps installed in the City are ADA compliant. It is the goal of the City that all new infrastructure is inclusive to every citizen.