Kalona Council briefed on trails project, cost of bridge repairs

Wed March 11 2009
Posted Mar 11, 2009
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Kalona, IA By: Ron Slechta County Engineer David Patterson, Kalona, updated the Kalona City Council Monday evening, March 2, on the report on feasibility of utilizing the English River Bridge on Nutmeg Avenue. The city had contributed $1,000 toward the $15,000 cost of funding the study done by Shive Hattery. That report estimated it would cost $62,000 to $101,000 to make the bridge suitable for a non-motorized vehicle use. Patterson noted that the report estimated it would cost $62,000 to $87,000 to rejuvenate the bridge by laying new planks over the existing bridge deck. It would cost the $101,000 figure if the old deck would be removed and a lighter deck replacing it. Patterson said there is high interest in retrofitting the bridge so it can be used as a part of a pedestrian/bike trails system connecting Kalona and Richmond. He noted that that trail is recommended in Kalona's Comprehensive Plan and a high priority as part of the county Trails Plan. Patterson noted it is encouraging that the Washington County Trails Committee has had success in generating grants and other funding to develop trails including one from Marr Park to Ainsworth, Washington to Lake Darling and signage for bike routes. Plans also include upgrading the KEWASH Bike Trail between Washington and Keota. There is some $15 million in funding for trails in Iowa in the new Federal stimulus package, Patterson said. He said he would like to see some of that go to Washington County. If the project does move forward, the Washington County Engineers office will oversee and coordinate the project. Patterson said he was just informing the council about the interest in the bridge, and said he would be back to ask for the city's support. "This is a wonderful idea," Patterson said. He noted there are now over 60 people involved in the county trails committee. They are working on design and getting funding.