A new life for a beloved bridge
Inver Grove Heights set to meet key deadline for Rock Island Swing Bridge restoration
by Bob Spaulding
The Rock Island Swing Bridge, as seen from the Inver Grove Heights side in 2008.
photo: Bob Spaulding/FMR
Inver Grove Heights is within striking distance of being able to implement a plan for the reuse of the former Rock Island Swing Bridge. The city took possession of the bridges remains on October 26th, marking a key milestone in the $2.4 million efforts to restore the eastern part of the bridge as a pedestrian overlook in the Mississippi River.
Community leaders have been working to ensure the historic bi-level swing and toll bridge wasnt scrapped entirely. The privately owned bridge had been tax-forfeited, and without a clear title for the bridge, the city was having trouble getting the support needed for its restoration.
But with the formal acquisition, the path was cleared for the city to meet a November 13th deadline for a $1.3 million federal grant for the project. The city has a commitment from the state to remove piers and contribute $720,000 to the project, according to the Pioneer Press. And they hope Dakota County will contribute $300,000 to the project.
The bridge was built in 1895, and was in operation as a toll bridge for cars until 1999, when it closed for structural reasons. The eastern portion of the bridge collapsed in 2008, sending local leaders scrambling to figure out how to proceed.
The City Council intends to formally review plans for the bridge on November 23rd, and authorize the city to take bids to complete the project.
Related articles: