MKT Bridge Replacement project 4-13-2010 A bridge to somewhere

A view from the east end of the installed bridge deck. Title " A bridge to somewhere"

Today the bridge beams are being bolted to the piers, end bent and the joints grouted.

Next on Houf Construction's agenda build the East Pier, Pier #3. The project is running smoothly and the break in the rain has been a boon for this project.

Paquin Park

The wooden raised garden beds are being replaced. That work should be complete within a couple weeks. The beds will then be available for planting. Fencing around the garden area and re-grading of the excess soil are the next two steps.

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.