Fate Of Historic Anamosa Bridge Still Up In The Air

I grew up just outside of Anamosa, Iowa, and I'll be honest with you. I didn't know the bridge near Wapsipinicon State Park had a name. The bridge has been there my entire life. It's been there for 140 years, and it's named the Dillon Military Bridge. I can't tell you how many times I've walked over that bridge growing up. But now, it is in danger of being torn down for good.

Can The Bridge Be Saved?

The fate of the Dillon Military Bridge in Anamosa could soon be decided. KCRG reports that Monday night, the Anamosa City Council voted to approve a settlement to end litigation over the bridge with Jones County. City Council members are now leaving it up to members of the community to come up with a plan, or the bridge could be torn down.

Community Members Want to Save the Bridge

According to KCRG, a petition to save the bridge has over 2,200 signatures. Many say that the historical value of the bridge simply can't be replaced. There is a Facebook page dedicated to preserving the bridge, and several people have even reached out to the group Workin' Bridges. KCRG reports that citizens want the non-profit group to buy the bridge, restore it, and transfer it back to local ownership.

The City and County Looked at Repairing the Bridge

According to KCRG, the city of Anamosa and Jones County looked into options to repair or build a new bridge last year, with costs ranging between two and three million dollars. The cost to remove the bridge is estimated to be nearly $200,000.

Supporters of the bridge say that saving it is a practical move, according to KCRG. They'd like to see it turned into a walking path and bike path.