Small Town News

Worth County Lake gets new footbridge

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For many decades, Worth County residents and visitors have enjoyed a welcome refuge for those looking to spend a few hours in and around the small, yet scenic surroundings of Worth County Lake. Earlier this summer, the park's footbridge was removed.

The bridge, which connects the west bank of the lake with a large extension of the east side, was removed because of deterioration of the structural members.

The bridge had been in place for more than 40 years, after it replaced the original Footbridge that was destroyed by a tornado in 1969.

Last Thursday a new bridge was put in place at Worth County Lake.

Over the last three years, the Worth County Conservation Board looked at several options for replacing he footbridge. A new bridge was the first option they considered, but the price tag of $35, 000 was not cost effective with their budget. The Board also looked at replacing the bridge with a large culvert, covered by rock to provide a walkway across the lake. A third option considered was to simply remove the bridge and not replace it at all.

When it was announced that the bridge was to be removed, the public spoke out, overwhelmingly wanting the bridge replaced.

"Many people we talked with had stories of playing on the bridge when they were children, "commented Worth County conservation director Dean Mueller. "There was more emotional attachment to the bridge than any of the conservation board members expected."

A grant from the Worth County Development Authority, for $33, 750, received at this spring's grant announcement, allowed Worth County Conservation to purchase the new bridge.

"After the grant awards were announced, several people came up and expressed their happiness that the bridge was going to be replaced."

The WCDA funds were used to purchase the new bridge, and the conservation board paid to remove the old bridge and abutments, pour new concrete abutments and hire the crane to install the new bridge.

The new bridge is 60 feet long and came as one piece, weighing 12, 400 pounds.

The installation took place last Thursday. The crane lifted the fully constructed new bridge off the back of the trailer that transported it. It was lowered into place and secured into the abutments.

That leaves landscaping around each side of the bridge to be completed, before the new bridge over Worth County Lake is in place and ready for new memories to be made.



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© 2011 The Northwood Anchor Northwood, Iowa. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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