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DOT will remove veteran-era bridge once new bridge and water line in place, city told
Summary
Council discussed the fate of the old Chawba River bridge after DOT said the structure is not in DOT ownership records; DOT plans to remove the old bridge shortly after the new bridge is open and the water line moved off the old structure, staff said, and staff warned preservation would be costly and carry liability.
Council members discussed public inquiries about preserving the older Chawba River bridge now that a replacement bridge is under construction.
City staff reported the Department of Transportation told the city its records do not reflect ownership of the old bridge and that DOT plans to remove the old structure once the new bridge is complete and any temporary water line is transferred. "Their plan is to cut the bridge down and put the ..." a staff member said; DOT had planned removal promptly after the line is taken off the old bridge, staff reported.
Staff and the city's public-works director told council preservation would be expensive and bring considerable liability and maintenance obligations. The superintendent on-site indicated costs could be very high to rehabilitate and maintain the structure.
Conclusion: council discussed options and took no formal action. Staff summarized DOT's timeline and confirmed they would advise the public that DOT intends to remove the old bridge unless a formal preservation plan and funding are advanced.
