Historic Bridge Adoption Information Packet Falls County CR 179 over Big Elm Creek Bridge October 2017
Table of Contents Announcement... 3 Bridge Location... 4 Bridge Information... 4 Bridge Condition and Load Rating... 4 Historic Significance of the Bridge... 4 TxDOT Estimated Work Items and Costs... 5 Bridge Photographs... 6 Historic Bridge Information Packet, Texas Department of Transportation 2
Announcement The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is offering the historic bridge detailed below for adoption and reuse according to federal transportation and historic preservation laws. The bridge is located in Falls County on County Road 179 crossing Big Elm Creek near the border with Limestone County Letters of interest and/or reuse proposals will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on May 31, 2018. Interested parties may request additional information, indicate an interest, or submit a reuse proposal by contacting: David Jayroe, Environmental Specialist TxDOT Waco District 100 S. Loop Drive Waco, TX 76704-2858 Phone Number: (254) 867-2744 Email address: david.jayroe@txdot.gov Historic Bridge Information Packet, Texas Department of Transportation 3
Bridge Location County: Falls Highway or Facility: CR 179 Feature Crossed: GIS Locational Information Bridge Information Bridge Owner Main-span Type: Main-span Length Roadway Width Big Elm Creek https://arcg.is/1kr44l Falls County Bowstring pony truss 72 feet 12 feet Year Built 1884 Builder King Iron Bridge Company Bridge Condition and Load Rating The overall condition of the bridge is very poor due to inadequate foundations and extensive unrepaired damage to the truss members. The bridge has lead-based paint. It is currently closed to traffic because the bridge is no longer sufficient to carry any sort of vehicular load. Prior to its closed, the bridge was posted for a weight limit of 8000 lbs Gross and 5000 lbs Axle or Tandem Historic Significance of the Bridge The King Iron Bridge Company constructed the bridge at CR 179 over Big Elm Creek in 1884. It is a single-span bowstring truss bridge with a riveted tubular-arch top chord in a configuration typical of King Iron Bridge Company s work. This bridge is signficant as one of only two remaining bowstring truss bridges in vehicular service (there are other bowstring truss bridges in parks and along hike and bike trails). It is also significant for its use of both wrought iron and cast iron materials. The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for Engineering as a rare survivor of a once-common Texas bridge type with unusual patented features and for its use of both wrought and cast iron. The bridge is also eligible for the National Register under Criterion A for its significance to local transportation routes and patterns. Historic Bridge Adoption Information Packet, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division 4
TxDOT Estimated Work Items and Costs Costs to rehabilitate and relocate the bridge for pedestrian use are estimated by TxDOT bridge engineers based on TxDOT expenditures for similar items on other bridges. All prospective owners should have access to a structural engineer to assist in determining the appropriate work to be completed as well as appropriate estimates. Costs may vary outside the TxDOT system. Limited federal funds may be available to assist in the moving of this bridge. The following construction items may be phased. Remove and Relocate Truss span: $33,829 New Abutments: $5,754 Repair damaged members and corroded sections on truss members: $102,547 Install new bridge deck: $23,982 Install pedestrian railing: $21,734 Clean and paint existing structure: $112,938 <TxDOT testing indicated that this bridge has lead-based paint as a primer under the existing painted surface. This estimated cost is for the full abatement of the lead paint from the trusses and repainting the structure to prevent further rusting and corrosion> Total Costs $300,784 Historic Bridge Adoption Information Packet, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division 5
Bridge Photographs Detail showing stabilization of bridge with wire to tree, facing north Detail showing metal tears and lead paint Historic Bridge Adoption Information Packet, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division 6
North truss South truss Historic Bridge Adoption Information Packet, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division 7