October 16, 2026

Roxsand

Rockin’ the Boat: The New Bridgeport Transload

Written by Alex Hagen, Project Manager

On October 6, the L. G. Everist Bridgeport Transload became operational and loaded out riprap on barges manned by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). With a front-loader and excavator, thousands of tons of riprap were loaded on seven barges and hauled down the Missouri River within the first four days of commissioning the site. The mission: provide rock armor to reinforce riverbanks south of Sioux City, IA. A success!

Many minds and hands brought the Bridgeport Transload to life. Lance Pollman, Engineering Manager, led a tremendous team effort. With construction beginning in mid-August, a trusted contractor built the Bridgeport Transload within 50 days, an impressive feat. From pile driving, earth moving, careful precision of site assembly, and everything in between, their seasoned experience was on full display. Noteworthy contributions also include ARC Fabricator’s walkway assemblies and the excavator bridge furnished by the Akron Shop. Additionally, materials from the company’s past were thoughtfully repurposed into the site: the two barge winches (previously used to pull railcars in the 80s-90s) and the muck box (a dump bed from a 773 hauler that lived its first life in the Dells East Quarry). A big “thank you!” goes to the Dells East Shop for providing the winches and 773 box, and to Myrl and Roy's for coordinating and trucking the shipments to get every item where it needed to be.

Lastly, a special recognition goes to Kevin Oliver, the Project Engineer and mastermind of the Bridgeport Transload. This site will be Kevin’s last realized project before he rides off into the sunset and retires after 40 years with

L. G. Everist. Kevin, it was uplifting to see your satisfaction as the Bridgeport Transload came alive – we’re sure this project was particularly special to you. A thank you also goes to Tim Martin, the Electrical Coordinator for L. G. Everist - with the additional title of Barge Indexing Operator (BIO).

I’ve been with L. G. Everist for four months now, most of it spent learning quarry operations. The construction of the Bridgeport Transload is the first project I’ve been fully immersed in as a new Project Manager. My greatest observation from this experience: it is the sum of all the small things that make something great. I enjoyed learning from every individual involved with their share of the task, and I was thoroughly impressed by the attitudes and experiences that moved this project from concept to completion.



As for the future of the Bridgeport Transload, we are all excited to see what this new capability brings, and what it means for maritime commerce along the Missouri River. If there’s anything we can all agree on, the birth of the site proves the organization will keep on doing what it does best: delivering solutions.

“So, you need to drive pile 40’ feet into the ground, over water, perfectly plumb to the earth, with a 3” margin of error from its planned coordinate? No problem, we could do this in our sleep.” Trusted contractor (paraphrased)

The Bridgeport Transload on its first day of operations.

Illustration of barge pilot whistling as he tugs loaded barges of riprap down the Mighty Mo’ (not checked for accuracy).

The last three loaded barges, ready to tie together and journey south.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important reminder for women to stay proactive about their health through regular self-checks and recommended screenings with their healthcare provider. On October 8th, our Ragsdale team, along with Sales and West Farm members, proudly wore pink in recognition of one of their own, Ree, a survivor.

Birthdays This Week

Jason Fedeler - Dell Rapids Shop

Kegan Skyberg - Jasper

Jordan Kessel - D & I

Monte Kerzman - Sioux Falls

Andrew Hartung - Brookings

Pete Luehmann - Jasper

Derek Blase - Brookings

Jodi Grubbs - East Sioux Quarry

Adam Zimmerman - Ortonville

Travis Buckneberg - Sioux Falls

Ethan Cox - Sioux Falls

Weekly Throwbacks

This weekly throwback goes back to a training in the 1950's. Our best guess is that they were reviewing equipment components. For fun, the link below is what we envision them watching on film!

Watch Here - Chrysler Master Tech

Pictured above is riprap production for the bank stabilization of the Missouri River outside of Bismarck, North Dakota in 1965.