For over a century, the Monroe Street Bridge symbolized Spokane's proud heritage, but by the turn of the 21st century increasing traffic, heavier loads, and decades of wind and weather had weakened the structure and it was falling apart. Saving the bridge resulted from ten years of collaboration between the City of Spokane and various agencies, consultants, and contractors. Restoration began in January of 2003 and was completed in September 2005 through demolition and reconstruction of the center arch, north arch and approach, and south arch and approach, followed by completion of pavilions, railings, and lighting, while original portions of the structure were retained and repaired. The bridge had originally cost $535,000 to construct in 1911, and its rehabilitation required 240,000 labor-hours, 7,100 cubic yards of concrete, and 500 tons of reinforcing steel. The total rehabilitation cost in 2005 was $18,000,000, including $11.8 million from the Bridge Replacement Program, $2 million from the Transportation Improvement Program, $3.2 million from the City Capital Street Program, and $1 million from the Spokane Transit Authority and utility purveyors. To protect the river from falling concrete debris, construction crews built a complex deck system below the bridge, and provisions were included to meet air and water quality standards and to contain and remove hazardous materials. The large labor force worked in year-round weather and often perilous conditions with no serious injuries.