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CHILLICOTHE, IOWA -- The Wapello County Board of Supervisors had a busy meeting on Monday, approving several construction projects around the county.

One project that is very concerning to the supervisors is the Old Chillicothe Bridge that has been closed due to structural issues.

KTVO spoke with Wapello County Supervisor Steve Siegel. Siegel explained what is wrong with the bridge and what needs to be done to fix it.

“One of the I-Beams is cracked, so what we need to do is push it back together and bolt metal plates on both sides to hold it together,” said Siegel.

He then explained how the county would repair the structure.

“We are gonna have to go underneath on barges, which is the bulk of the $50,000 cost; but we got to rent barges anyway for this fall when we work on the new bridge, so it's a small additional cost,” said Siegel.

The supervisors are aware that many residents of Chillicothe have been forced to detour through Ottumwa and Eddyville, adding to their commute. Therefore, they do want to see this repaired, but it has to be repaired correctly and safely until the new bridge opens in a year and a half.

This wasn’t the only bridge that was discussed at the supervisors’ meeting. Other bridges that will be repaired or are in the process of being repaired include the Little Soap Creek bridge and the Dahlonega bridge.