U.S. Congresswoman Secures $6M to Replace Historic Iowa Bridge

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U.S. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks announced that she has secured $6 million in federal funding to assist the City of Burlington, Iowa, in replacing the long-closed Cascade Bridge. The 1896 bridge, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, has been closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in recent years due to safety concerns.

Why it matters

The Cascade Bridge has been a landmark in Burlington for over a century, but its closure has created challenges for the community. This federal funding will allow the city to restore the historic structure and improve connectivity in the area.

The details

The Cascade Bridge, located on South Main Street over the Cascade Ravine, was originally constructed in 1896 to accommodate streetcars, pedestrians, and a trolley system. After a four-ton vehicle weight limit was implemented, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 2008 and subsequently closed to pedestrians in 2019 due to safety concerns.

• The Cascade Bridge was originally constructed in 1896.
• The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
• The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in September 2008.
• The bridge was closed to pedestrians in April 2019.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The city plans to use the $6 million in federal funding, along with an additional $1.07 million from the National Scenic Byways Program and $1 million from the Iowa Department of Transportation, to complete the $10.5 million Cascade Bridge replacement project.