Railroad Repairs in Iowa Could Take a Year

The CRANDIC railroad bridge over the Cedar River next to the Eighth Avenue bridge collapsed due to flooding on the Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids in mid-June. Shot Friday, June 27, 2008. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jul 24, 2008 at 9:22 AM CST

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2008 at 9:22 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - State officials say it could take up to year to repair and rebuild hundreds of miles of railroad tracks and 17 bridges damaged or destroyed by last month's flooding in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Transportation say Iowa's freight trains had losses that could top $80 million.

In a report, the agency says the severity of the flood damage underscores the need for a statewide study for long-term flood strategies for transportation, including railroads.

Department spokeswoman Dena Gray-Fisher says the report has been sent to Iowa's congressional delegation to help House and Senate members develop plans for federal disaster assistance.

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