Protecting A Piece Of History
February 4, 2002
CLD Consulting Engineers, Inc. of York, ME has been working with the City of Saco to design temporary bracing and support for the Stackpole Creek Bridge located on Simpson Road off Route 112 in Saco.
In July of 2001, inspections of the stone arch structure by Maine Department of Transportation, City of Saco and CLD staff found deterioration of the bridge, including movement and displacement of some of the stones in the structure. The arch was originally constructed in the late 1800's or early 1900's and is unique because of the tall support walls and approximately 8-foot span semi-circular arch. More typical arch construction generally incorporates a longer span and larger radius arches on short foundations.
Local residents remember folklore of the bridge's construction, including stories of construction by Italian stone masons. The stone for the bridge likely came from a local quarry and is a combination of large field stone for the support walls and cut granite for the arch stones. Stone arches were a very popular form of bridge construction in the 19th century, and capitalize on the offsetting soil pressures along the perimeter of the arch to support the roadway above.
In October and November, CLD worked with A&V Construction Corporation of Jay, ME to install temporary steel bracing to reinforce the stone arch support walls, to avoid further movement or potential failure of the bridge while permanent restoration can be designed. CLD is currently beginning an engineering study to determine the best methods for restoration of the stone arch structure. Alternatives will be reviewed with the City, Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Construction of the restoration is anticipated for summer to late fall of 2002.
Stackpole Creek Bridge Temporarily Supported
December 10, 2001
With assistance from CLD Consulting Engineers of York, ME, the City of Saco has contracted with A&V Construction Corporation, of Jay, ME to install temporary steel bracing to reinforce the stone arch bridge on Simpson Road. The bridge was inspected earlier this year and found to have significant movement, resulting primarily from the winter storms this past March. A lane was closed temporarily until a bracing system could be installed to support the structure.
The bracing contract was advertised by CLD on behalf of the City in October, and four bids were received. A&V began work on the project in late November after winning the low bid for the project. A&V is currently completing the installation of the steel frame bracing system and Simpson Road will be completely reopened to traffic the second week of December.
The City will be working with CLD over the winter to design a complete rehabilitation that will restore the structure to current loading standards and safety criteria. Construction for that phase will occur next summer.
City Council Briefed About Bridge Repairs
August 27, 2001
At a regular Council Workshop held in the City Hall Conference Room on August 27, 2001 the Director of Public Works and CLD Consulting Engineers presented a condition overview to the Stackpole Creek Bridge on Simpson Road. Significant factors presented will require the city to immediately seek to reduce the weight limit to 3 Tons along with restricting the bridge use to one lane.
Public Works, with Council approval, will be issuing the authorization to CLD Engineering to start the immediate design for temporary bracing and grouting of Stackpole Creek Bridge on Simpson Road. This temporary measure will permit the reopening of the closed lane, however, weight limits will continue to be reduced.
During the winter months CLD Engineering will be designing various engineering options for Council consideration. It is expected that the bridge repairs will be put out for bid in early spring for construction in the summer to late fall of 2002. More details will become available and will be posted on this web site, so please stayed tuned.
Correspondence to all Simpson Road residents has been initiated along with Public Service notices in the paper, radio station and other media outlets.
