MKT Bridge Replacement project 4-12-2010

No the usual trail user.



This morning the west side of Hinkson Creek bridge had the concrete beams installed. The photo above shows the first two beams (of eight) installed. This is the first stage to finishing the west side of the bridge. While bolt holes are being grouted and finish work performed on the west, the creek crossing will be installed using 7' diameter steel pipes. This week, if we dodge the storms will be excellent for progress.

MKT Bridge Replacement project 4-8-2010

The rock blanket was placed today on the west bank around the end bent, to protect from really big floods. Also the forms were stripped from cap #2 in preparation to set the first two spans of beams. The next big step is to cross the creek to start excavation for the east side structures. Typically the piers, take the most amount of time due to their proximity to the ever fluctuating creek elevation. Ah the joys of Spring showers!

With the weather forecast looking promising for early next week we are anticipating no slow down in progress.

MKT Bridge 12 & 13 Replacement Project Update 4-7-2010

The rain has come and gone, for the meantime. Forming and pouring will continue this afternoon and the west bank will be brought back to finished grade, around the piers. There have been questions about the terms used and at what locations work is taking place. Please see the rudimentary sketch, below, of what bridge #12 will look like.
With any luck next week the 'bridge section' will start to look more bridge-like, weather dependent. We only lost Monday, as a work day, so far this week so we hope we can progress in the muddy conditions.

Philips Lake Fishing Area

The contractor was able to pour a bit more concrete today (4/6). The work on the lot portion is approximately 30% done.

MKT Bridge #12 update

Due to a grammatical error I have corrected yesterday's post. The contractor indicated that the post might have been read such that the contractor would not be able to work on their own temporary crossing. I think it might have been a ruse to enjoy the 80 degree temperatures during Spring Break?

However, with the grammar corrected today's drying conditions and dropping creek level allowed for the installation of a work pad at pier #2 on the West side of Hinkson Creek. By days end re-bar was being tied and forms set in preparation for a concrete pour tomorrow. Once again the contractor is racing the weather forecast, which is calling for rain Friday night. Oh the joys of Spring! Also, due to the unpredictable stability of the old rail trail bed there are several sections of trail that are receiving new base rock. If there was any base rock before it has disappeared into the depths of the trail, never to return. By projects end this section of trail will be regraded and resurfaced with the standard MKT limestone mix.

The Parks & Recreation department would also like to remind all trail users that the section of trail is closed between the parking lot at Scott Blvd & the trail access at Country Woods Estates. There are multiple signs indicating this closure and with heavy trucks, that cannot stop on a dime, running rock along the trail, potential trail users should find an alternate route.
An alternate map for trail user options can be found here. In addition to the route shown on the website you can follow the detour route from the MKT Trail to Scott Blvd as shown below.


Houf Construction is trying their best to get the bridges installed as soon as they can and we will update you as soon as we have a better time to completion from the contractor.

MKT Bridge 12 & 13 Replacement Project Update 3-30-2010

This afternoon construction of the temporary creek crossing began with 12 loads of shot rock from Boone Quarries, placed by Houf Construction. The road is necessary for construction vehicles to install the East Bank end bent and pier, as access from the East approach by vehicles of such tonnage has been prohibited.

In the next few days several 7 foot diameter steel pipes will be placed to allow the creek to free flow under the construction road. There will be plenty of room for waterborne wildlife to pass through while construction is underway! The construction bypass use strictly prohibited to anyone other than construction personnel and construction equipment.

At the end of the project, the temporary road will be removed and the excess materials placed as base for the trail approaches and placed around the piers and end bent walls to 'harden off' the embankments.

With the warming temperatures and windy conditions the site is drying off nicely. By week's end pier #2 is tentatively scheduled for completion.....weather permitting, of course!

MKT Bridge 12 & 13 Replacement Project Update 3-29-2010

"This Bridge seems to be getting taller" We have had a couple of bystanders question the elevation of bridge #12 as it is getting constructed.

Very observant, Yes, the bridge structure is being raised 2 feet above it's previous bottom-of-truss elevation.

The reason? The existing bridge was getting impacted by large debris from floods throughout the year. To protect the investment of the tax payer's dollar in this bridge, the decision was made to raise the bridge out of harms way. The approaches to the bridge will be modified and will fully be within the running slope limits for Accessible Routes on Trails. Plus, it gives the walkers and bikers a small 'hill climb' along the otherwise mostly flat route.

This week's weather outlook is fine and progress shall be marked.