At Monday night’s Vandalia City Council meeting, Mayor Rick Gottman took a few minutes to address the issue with the bridge on the road that connects U.S. Route 51 and Thrill Hill Road. That connecting road has been closed for quite some time because of damage to the bridge. But, Mayor Gottman pointed out that all bridges are controlled by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Gottman says I-DOT actually has told the City to put guard rails on each side, but at this time there is no funds available for the City of Vandalia to repair the bridge. Gottman said that some individuals have suggested some cheaper solutions, but the City cannot move forward on them because the repairs would have to be I-DOT approved. And, Gottman says the I-DOT approved repairs would cost about $500,000. Gottman says he is working with legislators to see if there is any money available to help the city out. Gottman pointed out the City of Vandalia is already committed on two bridge projects in the city—at 5th street and Randolph street—to paying 20 percent on those projects, with the 6th street bridge to follow soon after that. So, although Gottman says he understands people wanting the bridge back open and Gottman says he wants to get it repaired, the money is just not available at this time to make that happen.