Jeffersonville, June 17, 2004 - Work on the trusses continues while forms are under construction at the east abutment.

Blow & Cote carpenters David Morrell and Roland Blais fabricate a new lower chord member, transferring measurements from the original piece. Photo by Joe Nelson 6/14/04

Work continues on repairs to the north abutment. The stonework will be "rechinked." Forms are being constructed at the downstream wing- wall. Photo by Joe Nelson 6/14/04

       Blow and Cote carpenters are carefully removing damaged and stressed members from the trusses and duplicating them in new timber for reinstallation.
       According to Jeff Cota, VAOT Resident Engineer at the site, all of the bridge truss members that are to be replaced have been identified, although additional work may be found necessary as the trusses are disassembled.
       The following members in the north truss are to be replaced with untreated spruce: both end posts; the diagonals in the end panels at each end; the inside arch member at the east end; the inside top and bottom lower chord-end sections at both ends of the truss; and the inside bottom middle lower chord-section.
       The member replacements in the south truss, also with untreated spruce are to be: the end post and diagonal in the east end-panel; the inside and outside arch members at the east end; the inside and outside, top and bottom chord end-sections at the east end; the fourth vertical post from the east end; the center section of the upper chord.
       Three roof (tie) beams will be replaced, and the spacing between the floor beams will be changed with six new floor beams. The bolster beams will be replaced. Three vertical posts will be repaired with epoxy 3/8th inch bolts to repair checking. The inside bottom section of the lower chord in the north truss, previously slated for replacement, will be retained.
       Meantime work continues on repairs to the north abutment. The stonework will be "rechinked," filling gaps between the stones with smaller stone. Forms are being constructed at the downstream wing-wall.