July 7, 2013: A pickup crosses the Lincoln Highway bridge on the east end of Tama. The concrete letters are more than a century old.
The Lincoln Highway bridge in Tama has moved to its third round of bids for rehabilitation, and this round will be conducted by the Iowa DOT instead of the city.
The Marshalltown Times-Republican reports the bidding is likely to be done in July with a contract in August and construction next year.
When it comes to keeping the historic bridge intact, it’s easier said than done. From the story:
“We already kind of got the information that the bridge as a whole can’t be moved without probably destroying the railings,” council member Emily Babinat said. “So obviously, we don’t want to do that.”
The Tama city clerk said the bridge would have to have its National Register classification changed in order to replace the bridge deck and supports without losing historic designation.
Either way, the six-figure cost of rehabilitation will only prolong the bridge’s life another 15 years. Then the preservation struggle could be even harder — assuming this one can get through.