The city council is due to take a design decision this month with a view to beginning utility work next year and starting construction in 2016.

The existing bridge over the Des Moines River would require extensive rehabilitation work to repair the arches and piers, provide scour protection and replace the deck, footpath and joints.

Four options have been put forward for a replacement, ranging from a basic beam bridge through to a beam bridge with higher level of aesthetics or an arch structure.

Projected costs range from US$6 million to US$32 million.

Shuck-Britson is consulting engineer for the project.