Without the money, the park service had warned that Washington’s most recognizable bridge would have to close by 2021.

WASHINGTON (AP) The National Park Service has been awarded a $90 million federal grant to repair the rapidly decaying Arlington Memorial Bridge.

Members of Congress from Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia announced the grant. Without the money, the park service had warned that Washington's most recognizable bridge would have to close by 2021.

The 84-year-old bridge needs to be completely reconstructed at a cost of $250 million. Its steel supports are rusting through, and its concrete decking has been reduced to gravel.

The grant will allow the park service to start planning and lining up contractors to begin construction in early 2018.

The bridge connects the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington National Cemetery and was built to commemorate the reunification of the United States after the Civil War.

Today's top stories

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Muddy Water Dredging Christens Marlin Class Dredge

Indiana Officials Mark Start of 2024 Construction Season, Promote Safety

Leica Geosystems Launches its First Machine Smart Antenna — Leica iCON gps 120