County eyes giving bridge to private property owner

Winneshiek County supervisors want to give away one of the county's bridges.

The bridge off College Drive used to be part of the old Highway 52, but now serves only the house owned by Adrian Strand of Decorah.  Strand says he's willing to take over ownership of the bridge--but only if it is brought up to a three-ton load limit.

Supervisors, who have plenty of other bridges in the county to deal with, are more than happy to hand over the bridge to Strand.  County Board Chairman Les Askleson told Strand on Monday, "It's our goal to get the bridge done and turn it over to you."

County officials are working to get a bid on what it would cost to bring the bridge up to a three-ton load limit.