Design alternatives could save Stone Bridge

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

     I would like to offer my support for maintaining, rather than demolishing, the Ely’s Stone Bridge. This unique, three-stone arch bridge is the only one of its kind in Iowa. It is nearly 124 years old and during the life of the bridge it has been witness to the growth of Monticello and the surrounding area. Although the bridge is no longer needed to serve rural farmers and residents as a lifeline for getting to or from town, the bridge does have huge historical significance.

     In these days of destroy, demolish, and then replacing structures at huge costs to taxpayers, wouldn’t it be smarter and more cost effective to repair and then correctly maintain this historically significant bridge?

     I feel there are design alternatives that will maintain this bridge now and many years into the future.

     We owe it to the future generations of Iowans to preserve, rather than demolish, this beautiful bridge.

Mike Jacobs

Monticello, Iowa

Category:

Subscriber Login