WINTERSET, Iowa — The historic 1880’s Holliwell Bridge in Madison County, Iowa, located just east of Winterset, is in urgent need of repairs that could cost over $1 million, prompting efforts to have it listed as one of the state’s most endangered properties. KCCI reports Madison County Secondary Roads Engineer Mike Hackett, said he estimates that within ten years, the condition of the Holliwell Bridge might have to be closed to foot traffic, due to structural issues, that include cracking heavy timbers, support beams that are splitting, and other decaying structural components.

Motor vehicles are not allowed to cross the bridge, the last major repairs for which took place 30-years ago, according to Hackett. The Madison County board of supervisors recently voted to apply for the bridge to be listed on Preservation Iowa’s most endangered property list, which could help raise funds and attract donations for its restoration.

If funding and donations are secured, the county hopes to begin repairs on the Holliwell Bridge sometime next year.