poland.030714

Poland Bridge Raised [WGN 45-08-02]. July 14, 2003 - The Poland Bridge now stands higher over its abutments than it did on June 15, 2002 when high water reached the bridge and moved it down stream four inches. The next step in the rehabilitation, according to Alpine Construction Foreman Jim Ligon, will be bracing the bridge with steel beams to support it while the chords and trusses are worked on to tighten the structure and restore the lost camber. All of the historic fabric still serviceable will be retained, Ligon said.        The racking will be corrected, the stretched splices in the bottom chords will be mended, the Burr arches will be restored to the face walls of the new abutments, and the bracing timbers in the end panels will be removed. The stabilization bracing evident at the upper chords will probably remain, said Ligon. There will be a new roof and siding. Up-stream side. Additional members in the cribbing raise the bridge an additional two-feet. Photo by Joe Nelson, July 14, 2003 Down-stream side. A hydraulic jack is hiding in the center of the cribbing. Photo by Joe Nelson, July 14, 2003 This under-side view shows the reversed camber. Steel cross-beams will be inserted and the sagging bridge will be jacked up into position for repair. The distribution beam above right will be removed, the under-floor crossbeams will be restored. Photo by Joe Nelson, July 14, 2003 A view through the bridge. The new deck will be glu-lam. Curbing will provide space for pedestrians on both sides of the bridge. Photo by Joe Nelson, July 14, 2003

Return to top