East Thirteenth Street trestle prompts neighborhood plea to preserve or sympathetically replace bridge

A Village East Davenport resident urged the Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 14 to press the city to pursue a rehabilitation approach, or a lower-profile replacement, for the railroad trestle at East Thirteenth Street rather than allowing a high concrete overpass that would permanently alter the neighborhood street pattern.

Why it matters: The trestle is an identifiable historic feature in the East Village neighborhood and, residents said, contributes to neighborhood character, tourism photography and property values. The resident asked the commission to encourage design alternatives that preserve access on both East Thirteenth and Mound streets and keep the bridge elevation close to the existing roadway to avoid closing Elm Street.

What was said: Tim Huey, who identified himself as a resident of Village East Davenport, told the commission he bought and rehabilitated a 19th‑century double home and that the trestle has long been part of the neighborhood fabric. Huey said the city secured a federal infrastructure grant that requires matching city funds (amount not specified in the meeting record) and that the proposed concrete replacement would raise the roadway and compel closure of adjacent local streets. He said a timber bridge would allow a lower structural thickness and preserve the current street pattern. He asked the city to seek exceptions or weigh alternatives with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the State Historic Preservation Office.

Staff response and procedural note: City staff advised the commission that if a bridge is declared a public safety hazard, its removal may be approved administratively through the fire marshal and building official, though the city could also bring the matter to the commission for review. Staff said they will continue coordination with engineering and DOT review and that design considerations (including aesthetics) were being discussed with city engineering staff and consultants.

Context and clarifications: Huey cited a structural review prepared by a late local bridge expert and noted the trestle’s 19‑foot clearance versus modern railroad standards of 25–26 feet, and he suggested the railroad’s operations do not require the higher clearance. He asked the city to pursue an exception to allow a replacement rated for required emergency and service vehicles but not for heavy semi‑trailers. Huey also noted past local grant assistance and state tax credits used for residential rehabilitation in the neighborhood. City staff acknowledged the community’s interest and said design work and DOT coordination were underway.

Next steps: Staff said engineering is working on concept designs and will coordinate with DOT; the resident and the commission suggested outreach to the State Historic Preservation Office to consider historic‑compatibility issues as designs are developed.