Tama citizens have been wondering what is happening as far as the Lincoln Bridge is concerned. People are probably aware of the new store built on the east side of town. The store has put in a drive leading to their business. The city will finish the drive taking it to Fifth Street. This will provide a way around the bridge and a way for trucks and cars to reach Fifth Street. I was told that the city will put out bids for their part of the road in April.

The current plan is to turn the bridge into a pedestrian bridge. This will allow tourists to walk on the bridge and take pictures. Representatives from the Lincoln Highway Association have said the bridge is the most popular tourist spot along the Lincoln Highway that goes from New York to San Francisco. Some have expressed the opinion that the bridge is not safe for pedestrian traffic. This is my opinion. To check the condition of underlying cement, several men walked the bridge and using a jackhammer drove many holes completely through the bridge floor. The bridge withstood this severe treatment and is still standing. Perhaps paying an engineer to check the strength of the bridge is an added expense that is not necessary. Perhaps the above incident indicates that.

It is possible that there are some funds remaining from donations and grants being held by the city. At this time, the amount, if any, in that fund and an accounting of expenditures from the fund will be determined. Unfortunately, the time that a $50,000 grant was available has expired. Therefore, the task will be to find out if major repairs must be done to make the bridge suitable for pedestrians or are cosmetic repairs sufficient and to write for grants that will pay for any needed repairs.

Another logical question could be asked. Was it worth it to spend so much time and effort in saving the Lincoln Highway Bridge? Yes — most certainly and emphatically — yes.