The next step in the lengthy effort to reopen the Washington Street Bridge to traffic in Sedalia is underway, as the city is seeking bids for its rehabilitation.

The city began fielding bids last Tuesday for the project to repair the 105-year-old span over the Union Pacific railroad. City administrator Matthew Wirt says bids are due the morning of Oct. 14.

The project calls for the repairing or replacing 13 columns supporting the approaches to the bridge, concrete removal and replacement, structural steel fabrication, surface preparation, and protective coatings. Bids will be opened at 10 a.m. on Oct. 14 in the council chambers at Sedalia City Hall.

Meanwhile, city officials continue to explore a long-term replacement to the bridge, considered a critical connection for residents in the northern part of Sedalia. The city council authorized an application for a grant of up to $600,000 from the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program to go toward planning studies and engineering for a replacement span. Wirt acknowledges that the grant is very competitive.

Repairs to the Washington Street Bridge approach are one of the two items Sedalia officials put out to bid last week. The city is also seeking bids for the demolition of 207 and 209 Main Street, even as the building’s owners are appealing the order to demolish the structure. That appeal will be heard Oct. 8.