Plans Advance to Replace Historic Cascade Bridge in Burlington

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Plans to replace the long-closed Cascade Bridge in Burlington, Iowa are moving forward, backed by $8 million in grant funding. City officials and engineers held the first of three public input meetings to gather feedback on early design concepts, including a proposed 30-foot roadway, 4-foot sidewalk, and 12-foot shared-use trail. The project must also address the historic significance of the current 1896 bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Why it matters

The Cascade Bridge is an important historic landmark in Burlington, connecting the city's downtown to Crapo Park. Its replacement is a major infrastructure project that will impact traffic flow and pedestrian access in the area. Preserving elements of the original bridge structure is crucial to maintaining the community's history and character.

The details

The proposed bridge design features a 30-foot roadway, a 4-foot sidewalk on the west side, and a 12-foot shared-use trail on the east side. Engineers also presented three possible intersection designs at the south end of the bridge where it connects to Main Street near Dankwardt Drive, including two variations of a tee intersection and a single-lane roundabout. The project must also address the historic significance of the current 1896 bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with Crapo Park. Plans include preserving parts of the existing structure, such as displaying bridge abutments within the park, and producing a documentary on the bridge's history.

• The first of three public input meetings was held on Monday, March 25, 2026.
• The Cascade Bridge has been closed for an extended period of time.

What they’re saying

What’s next

City officials and engineers will hold two more public input meetings to gather feedback on the proposed Cascade Bridge replacement design before finalizing plans.