Beam bridge arrived today

posted in: Events, Rail Trail, Stewardship | 0
The old wooden beams were removed and new abutment installed. The two bents are left as reminders of the historic bridge configuration.
The old wooden beams were removed and new abutment installed. The two bents are left as reminders of the historic bridge configuration.

 

Repairs to the historic pony truss on the Mass Central Rail Trail continued today, with more scheduled for tomorrow. The new beam bridge was delivered this afternoon, and completes the span back to the rail bed.

Denis and Mark maneuvering a large timber into place.
Denis and Mark maneuvering a large timber into place.

Before the beam bridge could be installed two of the bent cap timbers needed to be replaced. The existing ones were cracked and split. We found lots of tree roots and old tar as we removed the old timbers. Many thanks to Mark and Denis for all their help making these repairs.

The beam bridge segment ready for decking timbers.
The beam bridge segment ready for decking timbers.

Join us 12:30p.m. tomorrow as we lay down the final timbers and secure them to the beam bridge. In the spring we will install the railing and curbing so that the pony truss can be officially opened. We also hope to get the rest of the trail bed heading into Wheelwright finished with stone dust. Be sure to visit the trail often!