The viewers so appointed, after having been duly sworn to faithfully perform their duties, shall proceed to view the location of the proposed bridge and make report at such time as the court may direct, which report shall contain an accurate statement of the kind and character of the bridge carried away or destroyed, which it is proposed to replace, the length of time since the first bridge was built on the same location as a county bridge, the length of the bridge, together with a recommendation of the viewers as to the kind of bridge needed, and the probable cost thereof. It shall also be the duty of the viewers to inquire whether the accommodation of the travelling public in the locality demands the rebuilding of said bridge.

Whenever it appears to the viewers that the proper accommodation of the travelling public so demands, they may recommend a larger bridge than the one carried away or destroyed, to be constructed at the joint expense of the State and the county or counties in or between which the same is located.