A scale model of the first bridge across the Mississippi River will be used to help raise money for a full size replica of the bridge that once connected Davenport with Arsenal Island. Today River Action unveiled the 18-foot wooden bridge that Estes Construction is building.
Jeff Hill, from Estes, says the replica will show local residents what the 1856 bridge looked like. And that'll help River Action raise money to build a 250-foot replica for pedestrians and bike riders to cross River Drive in Davenport.
The designer is retired engineer, and bridge hobbyist, Bill Ashton.
So far, River Action has raised 110,000 dollars, of the 3.4 million it will cost to build the larger, replica bridge that'll go across River Drive, near 4th Street. That will link the new River Heritage Park with downtown Davenport.
River Action is inviting local residents, especially children, to help paint the bridge replica on Saturday morning, from 9 to 11 am.
