Thieves strip historic Des Moines bridge of copper wiring

Thieves stole copper wiring to the Jackson Street Bridge last week, leaving it without lights.

Why it matters: The downtown Des Moines pedestrian bridge along Meredith Trail is one of central Iowa's most traveled recreational connections.

State of play : DSM Parks and Recreation staff reported the damage to police late last week but the specific date and time of the theft is unknown, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.

• There were no suspects as of Monday and city staff were still working to assess the damage, he said.

Catch up quick: The 126-year-old bridge is one of Iowa's few remaining with a structural system known as a "Pin-Connected Pratt Through Truss," which can carry loads with relatively long spans compared to beams.

• The historic structure was slated for demolition almost a decade ago before a group of metro residents and businesses raised $2.3 million to restore and save it.

Friction point : DSM police have investigated multiple copper thefts in the last year, including at several churches that sustained tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

What's next: There is not yet a timeline for Jackson Street repairs.

• The bridge, which has permanent fencing on its deck to prevent pedestrian falls, remains open even without the lighting.