A new bridge on Oneota Drive could cost as much as $1.3 million

The City of Decorah will apply for State of Iowa Highway Bridge Program funds that would pay 80 percent of the cost of a new bridge on Oneota Drive.

City officials learned Tuesday night that a new bridge could cost as much as $1.3 million, depending on which option they choose.  Representatives from WHKS Engineering have presented six options for city officials to consider, ranging in cost from $1.3 million for relocating the road and installing a pre-engineered steel truss bridge to $970,000 to rehabilitate the existing bridge structure.

State inspectors gave the bridge a "deficiency rating" earlier this year, but temporary fixes were made and the state allowed the bridge to remain open.

Now, however, the city must plan for a new bridge.  The Decorah City Council agreed Tuesday night to establish a study committee to review the various options presented.