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Goddard Covered Bridge will open by end of summer
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By DANETTA BARKER Staff Writer
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GODDARD -- The bridge that started a small war among Fleming Countians, contractors, bridge experts and highway officials, is nearing the end of renovations that promise another century of life for the structure.
The Goddard Covered Bridge, probably the most recognizable of Fleming County's covered bridges will be open by the end of the summer. Construction on the bridge itself is complete; all that is left is completing work on the span's east abutment.
Just a few weeks ago the bridge looked more like a skeleton than a project nearly completed. With most of the siding missing, the bridge stood open and gaping. New siding, the last elements of the project has not given the bridge a new look, but the same old gray weathered look that has been in the hearts of the public for decades.
And that's the way everybody wanted it.
Phil Mauney, branch manager of construction for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9, said the new wood was treated to look like the old weathered boards.
"This side has 18 new boards," Mauney said, "But unless you get very close you can't tell it."
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Most of the work has been accomplished beneath the bridge, which is a vision of new timbers, cords and bolster beams.
"This restoration brought the bridge up to standard for vehicle traffic," Mauney said. "The bolster beam is to help provide support. The steel timber bent was replaced with a wooden timber bent."
The timbers, great black square truss-like features, are placed at either end of the bridge. The lower cord runs directly above the timbers and down the length of the bridge. The sister boards that are part of the lattice design, run down to the lower cord and are secured with wooden pegs, known as trunnels. New floor beams and stringers are also part of the underneath work that provides support to the bridge.
Inside looking up shows off the bridge's new roof system that Mauney said is more in line with the original roof system. The crisscross of timbers is a solid design which looks as though the roof system will be around for a long time.
Looking down at the flooring of the bridge, new timbers are obvious on the runners. Mauney said those timbers see the most wear and tear and are replaced often.
"The only purpose of runners is to make the drive smoother," Mauney said. "They wear out easy."
Mauney is proud of the project, which finished on schedule and near cost. Few change orders were made at minimal expense, he said. Mostly he is amazed at the effort made by the community, the cabinet and the contractors to keep the bridge repairs from harming the character of the structure.
"The construction didn't take a lot of time," Mauney said. "But the decisions did. We worked with the public and it was well worth the effort."
Three years ago after learning the state planned to dismantle the Goddard Bridge for repairs, Fleming Countians stood up and disagreed with the concept.
The outcry against the plan was strong enough that new legislation was introduced by Rep. Mike Denham to protect the 13 covered bridges in Kentucky, three of which are in Fleming County. As part of the legislation, the Transportation Cabinet would work with covered bridge experts, contractors and the Covered Bridge Authority to insure the quality of renovations.
Intech Contracting Inc. had bid on the project before the changes. Later the company greed to complete the project by new guidelines which included making renovations and repairs on site. Expert covered bridge builder Arnold Graton was hired as a consultant during the project.
Mauney, along with District 9 Public Information Officer Mark Brown, surveyed the completed project Monday morning. Mauney said the Dry Stone Conservancy will build the east abutment, beginning in mid-June.
"The Transportation Enhancement is providing funding for the project," Mauney said. "This end is owned by the county and they will maintain this approach."
Fleming County Judge-Executive Larry Foxworthy is currently working to acquire the land around the bridge, formerly the site of the Covered Bridge Festival, which is currently owned by a private citizen. Foxworthy hopes to bring the festival back to the bridge where it began nearly a decade ago once the property is in the county's hands.
Covered Bridge Authority Chair Steve Donovan asked people to respect the work that has been completed.
"What you see before you is the standard for all bridges," Donovan said.
The next bridge the cabinet plan to tackle is the Johnson Covered Bridge in Robertson County. Mauney said teams have been meeting with the public and contractors to develop the project.
"We will be using the same approach on the building, public involvement from start to finish," Mauney said. |
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