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February 6, 2002
York, ME
Protecting a Piece of History
Saco, ME - February 6, 2002 - CLD Consulting Engineers, Inc. of York, ME has been working with The City of Saco, Maine 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.
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