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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Neighborhood residents of Davis Street in Ottumwa are proof that hard work pays off.

Since the closing of the Davis Street Bridge a few years ago, residents have been taking action. They want their bridge back.

But with an estimated cost of $80,000 to install a new one, the city originally decided not to rebuild.

Brimming with concerns about public safety, the ability for fire trucks and ambulances to reach their neighborhood, as well as flooding on their access street, residents did not take “no” for an answer.

“A lot of them have come to city hall and called various elected officials,” said Public Information Officer Tom Rodgers. “They've written a number of letters to the editor on this matter and, of course, submitted a formal petition to the council. It's been an ongoing concern for them. I think at this point, the city council is very receptive to hear their concerns and hopefully will do something about that.”

“Monday, the city council held a formal work session discussion on this,” said Rodgers. “A number of neighborhood residents were present to talk about their concerns and for their safety in the neighborhood. There was some consensus developed among city council that maybe it's time to re-examine this.”

City council is now drawing up plans for the budget of the bridge.

“We're not going to see a new bridge there next week, but as we move through our next funding cycle with Capital Improvement Programs and also new grants that will be available, hopefully we'll be able to put some dollars to work there and re-establish that bridge, said Rodgers.”