An historic limestone bridge erected in 1936 in western Kansas apparently will be demolished.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking public comment until Oct. 31 on a proposal to tear down and replace the bridge, which straddles Rush and Russell counties.

Russell County officials refused to help repair and strengthen the limestone bridge, forcing Rush County to agree to a complete bridge replacement.

Rush County officials say installing a concrete bridge will cut the project’s cost in half, to about $100,000.

Oilfield traffic is a factor in the decision. As many as 15 tankers use the bridge every day and have to drive 17 miles out of the way in bad weather.

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Associated Press Information from: The Hays Daily News