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FT. MADISON, IA. -- Ft. Madison hopes to move forward with a problem that's plagued the city for years.

The sidewalks on a bridge in the 1600 block of Avenue D were blocked off between 15 and 20 years ago because the support beams were giving out. But traffic has continued to use the bridge

Holes have started to form at the beginning of the bridge and have gotten worse with all the recent rains.

Nearby residents have been concerned that students have to walk on the street on their way to school because the sidewalks are closed.

City Manager Byron Smith says the city hopes to close that bridge next week.

It will cost an estimated $1.5 million to replace the bridge.

Smith says the city is looking for grant money to go forward with that project.

"We'll probably leave it closed off until we can secure some funding. It would really be a difficult thing to take it on without some grant money helping out," said Smith.

Smith hopes to get permanent signs that say the is bridge closed posted next week.