“On The List”…Charles City Main Street Bridge Approved for $1.5 Million in State Funding

Flooding of the Cedar River in Summer 2024 raised questions about the structural integrity of the aging Main Street Bridge in Charles City. 

Since then, multiple inspections determined the bridge, over 115-years-old, needs to be rehabilitated or replaced entirely. A structural engineer’s study put restoring the bridge at about $14 million, would have a yearly cost of $463,000, and last 35 years. A new bridge would be about $12.5 million, with about $220,000 in yearly costs, and would last 65 years. 

During last Wednesday (12.10) night’s City Council planning session, City Engineer John Fallis said the bridge is now on the Iowa DOT project list, with approval of some initial funding for whichever route they take.

While the City can use the funding for either bridge approach, Fallis also cautioned the risks that come with a rehab approach to the bridge.

While no official action could be taken in the planning session, Mayor Dean Andrews said it appears a decision on the bridge’s future is imminent.

Andrews added that if replacement is the decision, a design committee will likely be formed with a goal of seeking features that might honor the existing bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Outgoing Councilman DeLaine Freeseman advised that while having a bridge look nice is a goal, it must also last for years to come.

The Council can make official acceptance of the DOT funding during their regular meeting Monday (12.15) night at 6 pm in the Zastrow Room of the Charles City Public Library.