A bridge spanning Interstate 80 in Pottawattamie County now officially bears the name of Matthew Dickerson, an Iowa Department of Transportation employee whose life was cut short while working to keep Iowa's roads safe.
On June 11, representatives from the Iowa Department of Transportation and Pottawattamie County joined family members, friends, and coworkers to unveil the Matt Dickerson Memorial Bridge on 298th Street and County Road L55.
The bridge designation follows formal resolutions approved by the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors in March and April supporting requests from Dickerson's family to memorialize the locations in his honor.
Dickerson was remembered during the ceremony as a devoted husband, father, son, friend, and public servant known for his generosity, strong work ethic, and commitment to serving others. His daughters were described as the pride and joy of his life.
The dedication serves as a tribute to Dickerson's memory and as a reminder of the importance of work zone safety.
"The Matt Dickerson Memorial Bridge stands as a lasting tribute to his life and a solemn reminder that every worker in every work zone deserves to make it home," said Scott Schram, District 4 Engineer for the Iowa DOT. "Behind every safety vest is a person with a family waiting, dreams still unfolding, and a future that should never be cut short."
When the Board of Supervisors approved its support for the memorial designation earlier this spring, county leaders emphasized the broader message behind the bridge naming. Supervisors noted that they hoped motorists who see the memorial bridge signs would think of Dickerson and also remember to slow down in construction zones.
That message remains especially important for the transportation workers, utility crews, contractors, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and county employees who work along roadways throughout Pottawattamie County every day.
Pottawattamie County encourages motorists to honor Dickerson's legacy by staying alert in work zones, reducing distractions, following posted traffic controls, and slowing down whenever workers are present.
As travelers cross the Matt Dickerson Memorial Bridge in the years ahead, officials hope the designation will serve as both a lasting tribute to a life dedicated to public service and a reminder that every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.
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Pottawattamie County
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