Council Approves Study of Charles City Main Street Bridge

A feasibility study on possible replacement of the Main Street bridge in Charles City got the greenlight from the City Council Monday night.

At their regular meeting, the Council approved a professional services agreement to have Calhoun-Burns and Associates to also conduct study of the Gilbert Street bridge at the same time, because the bridges are the same age and have similar structures. The difference is that the Main Street bridge is on the National Register of Historic places.

Councilman Patrick Lumley said the feasibility study helps the City prepare for the future, sooner rather than later.

Designing the replacement bridge would follow the feasibility study, which Mayor Dean Andrews said would include the formation of a design committee, much like when the suspension bridge was replaced in Charles City. 

The feasibility study to replace the 112-year-old bridges could cost about $30,000.