Historic Illinois-Iowa bridge offered for free

SABULA, Iowa (AP) — For history buffs it might be the deal of a lifetime — an historic steel truss Mississippi River bridge free for the taking. There’s a catch though. The 1932 structure that connects Sabula, Iowa with Savanna, Ill., must be maintained at its new location forever.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says before it considers demolition, it is required by federal regulations to offer the bridge to the public for free because it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports the bridge is being replaced with a new one. Construction is expected to start in 2015.

The old bridge must be moved within 30 days of the opening of the new one.

Illinois DOT officials don’t expect many takers.