The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge on Commercial Street will close today (3/2) while engineering experts evaluate the structure.
The City of Springfield expects it to be closed through at least the end of May.
According to the city, during a recent weekly inspection, Public Works noticed corrosion and steel loss in the north support column of the 114-year-old bridge. Experts from Great River Engineering were brought in last week to evaluate the safety of the structure.
City officials say, while the bridge isn’t in imminent danger, “it’s in the best interest of the public to close it for a minimum of three months” to evaluate repair options.
Engineers will also take an in-depth look at the bridge’s other support columns and develop a larger rehabilitation plan for the entire bridge if needed, according to the city.
