Charles City Council Says Yes to DOT Bridge Funding

The City of Charles City has $1.5 million “in the bank” when it comes to rehabbing or replacing the Main Street Bridge.

During their meeting Monday (12.15) night, the City Council approved a funding agreement with the Iowa DOT to help address the structure, now over 115-years-old. Still, nothing is official as to what approach the City will take.

Jeff Fadden with Calhoun Burns and Associates (CBA), which produced a report on the structural analysis of the bridge, laid out five possible options.

Fadden noted that rehabilitation comes with limitations.

Recent Council meetings have indicated a lean towards building a new bridge, which is recommended by CBA, with Fadden also recommending a design committee to look at ways to honor the existing bridge.

Still, the City Council has not made an official decision, with City Engineer John Fallis noting that acceptance of the DOT bridge funding does not commit the City in any direction.

However, he adds that having $1.5 million in hand looks good for the City when applying for additional grants towards a new bridge at about $12.5 million or rehabbing the bridge at $14 million.