The iconic Mill Street bridge that allows travelers to cross the Fox River into the village of Montgomery will be closed several weeks for renovation.
The work should be completed by Oct. 16, village officials said.
The detour route directs motorists around the area, going north on Route 25 to the Ashland Avenue Bridge.
Montgomery Public Works officials say the bridge is in need of restoration work, which should take about six weeks.
There has been a bridge at the location since 1850. The early bridges were wooden and covered, but were prone to damage by ice floes that destroyed more than one of the early bridges, city officials said. The first concrete bridge was built in 1916, with the current bridge constructed in 1984.
Village Engineer Pete Wallers said the bridge is in need of “typical” maintenance.
The project includes a concrete overlay, some minor concrete repairs and application of protective coatings.
MYS Inc. was the low bidder at $431,753, but still some 16 percent above the estimated cost.
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“An overlay at this time is more economical that a complete redecking, especially because significant deterioration of the steel reinforcement has not yet occurred,” Wallers said.
Todd Hoppenstedt, director of Public Works in the village, said the flowers that sat in some 66 pots along the bridge were given away, mainly to the people who sponsored the pots.
Montgomery Trustee Stan Bond said people have talked in recent years about replicating the old covered wooden bridge at the site.
“Today it is poor use of public monies, although it would be charming,” he said, noting that covered bridges can often be tourist attractions.
Many longtime residents of the village say they have fond memories of the bridge.
“Dad and I walked down to the river to fish. I have seen pictures of it and it was once covered,” said Kathy Ballard Priegel.
Denny Lee said many residents have stories about the bridges in the village that were all covered and wooden in the early days.
“The bridge has been used for patriotic ceremonies, the 9-11 anniversary, Memorial and Veterans Day as well as July 4 events,” Bond said.
Judy Pochel is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News