The City Council approved a grant application to the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program as part of the funding for the Elm Street bridge.
Due to its poor condition, the Elm Street Bridge over the Canadian Pacific Railway was closed by Davenport Public Works in May, 2018 to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Canadian Pacific turned over possession of the bridge to the City of Davenport and the City is now seeking funding for construction of a replacement bridge, estimated at $2.5 million.
Under the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program, the City benefits to a re-opened bridge would be encouraging pedestrian travel, save a one mile-plus detour for thousands of cars per day and reduce starts and stops due to the detour. The City is requesting 80 percent of the $2.5 million construction estimate and will fund the remaining 20 percent.
The City seeks funding assistance through the Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program because the bridge closure currently requires vehicles to seek alternate routes and discourages alternate transportation methods.
The City will apply for a second grant to assist with funding.
Based on final funding sources, the bridge demolition could be done in 2020 with construction in 2021.