City leaders pledged Monday to do what they can to help preserve the historic Southwest Fifth Avenue bridge that connects south Des Moines to downtown.

The bridge, commonly known as the Jackson Street bridge, was constructed in 1896. It was closed to the public in March after an engineering study determined there was advanced deterioration and corrosion of structural elements.

The city had considered demolishing the bridge at a cost of $750,000. After hearing from preservation activists, the City Council agreed Monday to put that money toward restoration as long as the other $3 million needed to complete the project can be raised privately.

“This particular bridge has great significance,” Des Moines resident Jack Porter said. “It is a wonderful structure, and it can be repaired and it can be reused off into the future.”

The study conducted this year estimated the cost of restoring the bridge at $3.74 million. City Manager Rick Clark said the council’s approval Monday provides “a path forward that allows the bridge to be saved if the other funds can be raised.”

Meredith Corp. has agreed to pay for a more in-depth engineering study. The bridge sits along the Meredith Trail just south of the Raccoon River. Once that is completed, a more formal fundraising campaign can begin, Park and Recreation Director Ben Page said. Volunteers will have about 18 months to two years to raise the money before the council would reconsider demolishing the bridge.

Click link for remainder of story: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20131224/NEWS/312240087/Future-of-Des-Moines-Southwest-Fifth-bridge-is-now-in-hands-of-fundraisers?Frontpage