The historic Waco Suspension Bridge could be closed for as long as two years for repairs and renovation.

Jonathan Cook with the City of Waco’s Park and Recreation Department says the bridge will be closed by December.

The last major event of which the bridge will be a part is the Bicycle World Texas IRONMAN 70.3 Waco on Oct. 27.

Cook says workers will be adding new decking to the bridge and replacing the suspension cables.

Cook says the city received $ 5.4 million in TIFF funding to repair and restore the bridge to preserve its original look and to extend its life for another 150 years.

The bridge is popular with walkers, joggers and bicyclists and serves as a frequent backdrop for a number of special events such as engagements and dances.

Waco native Lauren Muhl, who grew up taking walks across the bridge, where she later posed for her senior prom and wedding day photos, says the landmark is special to her.

“I think in order to keep this part of history, to maintain the bridge so that future generations can enjoy it, (is) a sacrifice the Waco community is going to have to make, but I’m excited to see what it will look like when it is remodeled and refinished,” Muhl said.

The 475-foot bridge officially opened on Jan. 7, 1870.

At the time it was among the longest single-span suspension bridges in the world.

The company John A. Roebling and Sons, which later built the Brooklyn Bridge, started work on the Waco bridge in 1868.

Roebling designed and built the Brooklyn Bridge using the same techniques and style that were used in Waco.

Waco’s suspension bridge was finished in December 1869.

Ground was broken for the Brooklyn Bridge early the next year.

— KWTX