FORT MADISON (WGEM) - While the bridge that connects Fort Madison to Niota, Illinois, is slated to reopen in early November, city and economic leaders are looking to the future.

The bridge has been closed on and off for the last year for prolonged periods of time.

According to Lee County Economic Development Group President Emily Benjamin, local retailers are reporting a dip in sales by up to 30% while the bridge is closed. Furthermore, she said the closure is causing a “workforce congestion” for workers who live in Illinois but commute to Fort Madison every day.

For example, if a worker lives in Niota and works in Fort Madison, it’s an extra 20 to 30 minute drive either north to the bridge at Burlington or south to the bridge in Keokuk.

“Some of our employers have even gone as far as

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