[IndianaTrails] CANAL UPDATE--A bridge, a tunnel and volunteers

[Dan McCain]

A FACELIFT FOR PULASKI BRIDGE #31


The Stearns Truss is removed by cranes from its place over Big Monon Ditch
Photo credit: Logansport Pharos-Tribune

Metal restoration begins for the Winamac Bridge Company's 1905 Stearns Truss iron bridge--a one-of-a-kind structure left in the United States.  The rehab work will be performed in Delphi's Canal Park   In contracting for this bridge (1905) Pulaski County officials were following a plan that included over a dozen of these unique "pinned together" lightweight conveyances because they wanted to span their newly dredged ditches intruding into the vast natural marsh land.  Farmers were eager to clear and drain their newfound ag lands.

Volunteers here in Delphi today are eager to tackle jobs associated with this restoration process but needed a leader with extensive knowledge of dealing with old metal.  In quick timing a semi-retired educator Vern Mesler from Calhoun County in central Michigan came forth and he volunteers his time.  Vern brings to Delphi unique skills and equipment from years of bridge restoration challenges.  He even manages a "bridge park" in his county up north that includes Battle Creek.


                Vern Mesler left and Dr. Cooper right

All along the support of an Indiana historian and statewide bridge expert Dr. James Cooper from Greencastle has led Canal volunteers through the process of obtaining this special "one-of-a-kind" bridge.  He consulted with the local men while they disassembled the structure and now is supervising the historic restoration process.  "Jim" as is known to the local crew is just one of the team as he volunteers his time as well.

A first challenge was to layout all the pieces of the 76 foot bridge on the huge concrete slab behind Peters-Revington Furniture Factory.  A dozen sorted piles of like parts illustrates comparative needs for restoration.  The pad provides a great workspace and was not being used. The hard surface is so handy to the volunteers and work will transfer back and forth between the Canal Park's maintenance building.  The slab is very close to the Underhill Towpath Trail and new RR underpass' tunnel parking lot.


This flat sheet of iron was part of the metal caisson foundation

Vern comes back on June 8-9 to instruct the local crew on his unique methods of dealing with "pack rust" which occurs between riveted panels of this bridge.  Some broken rivets are in need of replacement because pack rust acts like "freeze/thaw" bowing action when water gets between the plates.  Straightening and flattening these important bridge chord members is part of the restoration process.


Inverted floor beam members show deterioration that must be fixed

Next will be the experience of "padding" the eroded areas of metal on critical pieces.  This process involves arc welding to add metal in the depressed rusted) areas and then grinding off the surplus to make the metal meet the original thickness standards and look like newer metal.   This job will be learned by volunteers then likely hundreds of hours will be needed to complete this task.  

Later this summer the volunteers with help from heavy machinery will be creating the site for this bridge to set over the canal in the lower sections of the trail system.  The spot selected for the re-erection is behind Dairy Queen on land owned and operated by the Canal Association and City of Delphi.  It will become part of the VanScoy Towpath Trail 300 feet south of Bicycle Bridge Road at the point where the manmade "sidecut" entered the canal itself. 

The whole process of restoration and site development will likely take more than a year.  Eventually the "raising" of this structure is anticipated to be by "old fashioned methods" under the direction of Vern Mesler.  He has had experience with "gin-poles" and wooden framing supports built to handle assembly without using a crane.  This effort might become part of a film documentary on historic bridge restoration as Vern directs these techniques.


**********************************************************

      NOTE:  For the public to enjoy the past efforts of the Canal's volunteer crew's winter work a special unveiling of the Underhill Trail Tunnel and redeveloped section of this popular towpath trail will be Saturday, June 3rd at 11 am in Delphi's Canal Park.   
     
      
         DEDICATION DAY FOR TOWPATH TRAIL TUNNEL


      The new 7 ft. by 9 ft "egg shaped" metal tunnel is an inherently strong form



          National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3, will be a special day in Delphi.  The outdoor event will begin at 11:00 am in Canal Park with a celebration and dedication of the Underhill Towpath Trail and new railroad tunnel.  In addition volunteers will be recognized for their tireless hours working on Delphi Historic Trails and at the Canal Interpretive Center.  This recognition will conclude at noon with a "free lunch" for these volunteers.  

       

         The local Psi Iota Xi Sorority is providing the lunch appropriately called "Ote Meals" at the Canal Park shelter, 11 blocks north of the Court House stoplight on Washington Street.  In the last year over one hundred Earth Team Volunteers provided more than 3,800 hours of service.  Those volunteers to be honored include scouts, 4-Hers, and workers of all ages.  Delphi now hosts a most unique ten-mile trail system.  

       

         Those that have volunteered and worked hours totaling one day or more will receive their choice of an Earth Team hat or shirt as a "thank you" complements of the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service and Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District.  Several organized groups of volunteers will be honored for their efforts.

       

         Following the lunch and recognition program will be a "physical fitness walk" led by Lois Johnston, a Registered Nurse.  This is just one of the many walks and narrated history hikes offered by the trails volunteers throughout the year.  Check the Canal Hotline for latest information on upcoming events by calling 765-564-6572.

       

         Canal Park also is home to an exciting museum called the Interpretive Center.  This dynamic space exhibits many interactive displays very popular with children.  The historic transportation museum, created by dedicated volunteer craftsmen who completed the twelve galleries, is free to the public.  The Center is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays 1-4 pm. and Saturdays 10-4 pm.  Canal Boat (pontoon boat) rides are 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday.


      TUNNEL PROJECT INVOLVED SEVERING THE RAILBED AND INSTALLING A HUGE PIPE

       



      Cohee Construction Co. lifting/moving the metal tunnel to its designated place in January 2006

       


     
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0001.htm 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 59118 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0005.jpg 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 60576 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0006.jpg 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 75556 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0007.jpg 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 72048 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0008.jpg 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 53532 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0001.obj 
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 45154 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : /pipermail/list_indianatrails.org/attachments/20060528/d28353ef/attachment-0009.jpg