Charles City – Charles City has closed the area around the Charley Western Trail Bridge, between South Grand and Clark Street, due to a partial bridge collapse. One of the bridge’s three arches partially collapsed Saturday morning just south of the popular Charles City Whitewater Park.
"No recreational activities including boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming or general use of the river are allowed within 100 yards of the bridge,” said Steve Diers, City Administrator for Charles City.
The public should avoid the area in case there are additional collapses and to let bridge engineers inspect the bridge.
“We do not know if the bridge can be repaired or how long it will take,” Diers said.
“The area just north of the collapse is a popular paddling destination for paddlers from around the Midwest,” said Todd Robertson, Iowa Department of Natural Resources River Programs outreach coordinator. “This closure will not affect the Charles City Whitewater Park, but paddlers should not travel downstream past the whitewater park’s final take-out access. “
Also a popular fishing spot, anglers are advised not to boat or fish in that area. The area will be closed until further notice.