-
Aim for national help for Tama’s ailing Lincoln Highway Bridge
“We feel we are in a very good position to get funding as this is one of the few remaining bridges along the original highway route,” Lester said. Source: By John Speer – Editor (jspeer@tamatoledonews.com) , Toledo Chronicle, Tama News-Herald
Needed repairs to the historic Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama may get a boost from the National Lincoln Highway Association.
The bridge on East 5th Street is 100 years old this year.
Will Lester, a member of the Tama Lincoln Highway Bridge Park Committee, told members of the Tama City Council on Monday night, Jan. 19, the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association has endorsed the request of the Tama County Association to apply for funding to fix the bridge.
That action came following the state Lincoln Highway Association meeting in Tama in October, 2014.
Problems which had surfaced with the bridge were detailed at the time.
Lester said the National group allows only one funding request annually per state.
“We feel we are in a very good position to get funding as this is one of the few remaining bridges along the original highway route,” Lester said.
It was learned in September, 2104, the bridge was in need of work. Robert Cramer, president of Cramer and Associates, a Clive, Iowa-based firm specializing in bridges and repairs estimated then repairs to the substructure span could cost $15,000. He also recommended to the roadway surface of the bridge be “peeled off” and the underlying surface be inspected for pits. Depending upon what is found, this work could cost up to $25,000 Cramer reported.
It was reported damage from trees coming down Mud Creek in floods combined with normal wear to the bridge surface has resulted in the needed work.
Tama City Clerk Judy Welch has also been keeping on top of the bridge needs – it’s subject to an Iowa Department of Transportation safety inspection once every two years of which her office receives reports.
Tama Council members indicated they would appreciate any funding the Lincoln Highway Association could provide for the bridge.
The council was not receptive to running a water main to the adjacent park, however. They said water could be hauled to the park by the fire department when needed for watering or a siphoning system could be implemented from the creek.
Source: By John Speer – Editor (jspeer@tamatoledonews.com) , Toledo Chronicle, Tama News-Herald
