Charles City, IA- The Charles City city council approved a contract with Peterson Contractors, Inc to take the 102 year old bridge out of the water. The bid is for $3,500 a day. Contractors hope to get the job done in two days.  

Like many, Julie Richards-Hansen was shocked to hear the span was swept away and hopes it doesn't take long before it's out of the water. Hansen is now back in the area remembering the importance of the bridge. She says it's a fond memory of growing up in Charles City.

"As a child we always crossed this bridge with our bikes," said Richards-Hansen.

Hansen says the century old old bridge wasn't just used to get from one place to another, she use to swing on it. Even though, the bridge hasn't been in a swinging mode for years now, Hansen says it's still a symbol of youth. But Charles City Mayor, Jim Erb says it's more than that.

"The bridge is a symbol of unity it unites the community," said Erb.

In 1906, the bridge was built for walkers to get popular Chautauqua celebrations held in the Lion's Field area. Mayor Erb says the city's looking at possibilities of rebuilding that past.

The city council says they're already taking the first step to getting the bridge back. Contractors need to wait for the ground dries before they can remove the bridge from the Cedar River. After that, restoration experts can examine whether the bridge can be built.

Between the investigation and a feasibility study, the bridge will cost Charles City more than $40,000. That's even before the city even knows if they can rebuild it.

Hansen hopes they will know soon whether the bridge will be back.