DELAVAN — The Delavan City Council has approved the contracting of Aupperle Construction of Morton to replace the Linden Street Bridge in Lake Park at a cost not to exceed $50,000.

City crews had initially begun work on the bridge replacement earlier this year. However, before newly poured concrete had time to fully cure, heavy flooding in Lake Park washed out much of the work, forcing the city to reconsider its approach and seek an outside contractor to complete the project.

To help fund the replacement, the city will use a portion of the bequest left to Delavan by the Culbertson estate. In recognition of that contribution, the new structure will be named the Culbertson Bridge.

City officials said the bridge replacement will restore an important connection within Lake Park while creating a lasting tribute to the Culbertson family’s generosity.

The project is expected to be completed ahead of the Fall Festival over Labor Day weekend. The bridge carries Linden Street, a major access route into and out of the festival grounds and the annual car show. City officials said completing the work before the event will help ensure smooth traffic flow for the large number of visitors expected to attend the popular community celebration.