PITTSBURG, IOWA -- A construction plan is causing concern in Van Buren County.

The Pittsburg bridge across the Des Moines River needs to be resurfaced.

Crews aren't slated to begin work until May. In the mean time, county engineers are working on a plan to calm fears about emergency situations.

"It is the only bridge that goes directly from Keosauqua, from where the hospital and where the fire department is located, out to the western part of the county,” said Van Buren County Engineer Dave Barrett.

Without the bridge, it'll be very hard for emergency services to respond to accidents, fires and medical emergencies.

Barrett said there is another route through Lacey Keosauqua State Park, but it's not designed for emergency vehicles.

The bridge will have to be closed for at least four weeks.