Charley Western Bridge demolition begins

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Demolition of the 108-year-old Charley Western Recreation Trail Bridge began Tuesday over the Cedar River in Charles City.

The bridge started to break away and threaten to collapse in April 2017 and will be torn out this summer. Access across the bridge has been restricted and on the river under the bridge has been warned against since the damage was first discovered.

The bridge was built in 1910, originally as a railroad bridge. Since then it has become a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, part of the Charley Western Recreation Trail. It was also a primary vehicle emergency route when flooding threatened the other two Charles City street bridges crossing the Cedar River.

The City Council has decided to replace the bridge with one still designed primarily for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, but capable of supporting emergency vehicles when needed.

The cost of the project is estimated at around $2 million and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020. The city is seeking several grants and other funding to help with the expense.

The bridge was deemed of historical significance last summer.