Footbridge to Nixon Elementary to close

CEDAR RAPIDS - A pedestrian bridge over Dry Creek offering quick access to Nixon Elementary and Nixon Park is being closed, city officials announced Monday.

The footbridge has substructure and timber deck issues, officials determined after a field review by civil engineers. No incident led to the review or closure.

'The department inspected the bridge and decided to hire an engineering firm to confirm the condition,” said Daniel Gibbins, Cedar Rapids parks superintendent.

The bridge has served as a convenient connection between a residential neighborhood southwest of Boyson Road NE and Council Street NE and the school and park. Pedestrians instead should use Northwood Drive NE to access the school and park.

Barricades and signs will be placed to restrict access to the bridge, which is 27 years old.

City officials say given the condition of the bridge, it will be replaced rather than repaired. Officials estimated a replacement bridge would cost $45,000, but did not have a time frame for the work available Monday.

l Comments: (319) 339-3177; brian.morelli@thegazette.com