Simpson told attendees that following the flood in 1998 the bridge’s western abutment has cracked and deteriorated; the AOT previously recommended resurfacing it with concrete, which was completed 1991. In 2000, the wooden elements of the bridge were restored.
Warren’s covered bridge was built in 1860.
The 1998 flood resulted in the complete washout of a house located on the west side of the bridge that exposed the septic system and separated the structure from the foundation. FEMA took possession of the property and gave it to the town under the condition that nothing habitable ever be constructed on the parcel.
Simpson said that replacing the concrete would make the bridge less likely to continue deteriorating but would deduct approximately 18 inches of space from the under passage of the bridge.
In addition, Simpson recommended the installation of a stone-faced ramp to allow pedestrian access to the river and provide a passageway for equipment and materials.
Transportation Enhancements (TE) activities are federally funded community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of transportation infrastructure.
According to the AOT, “The TE program operates under the belief that transportation funding should focus on more than just roads. TE projects can include creation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, streetscape improvements, refurbishment of historic transportation facilities, and other investments that enhance communities and access. These projects are funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) via Congressional surface transportation legislation.”
The funding program is on an annual cycle with applications for the 2012 round due in August of 2011. Unlike a typical grants program, funding is not provided up front but as a rolling reimbursement to the sponsoring agency or organization.
The town is required to contribute 20 percent of the overall project cost; Simpson said the one estimate he’s received from an engineer was for around $24,000. Currently, he said, there is approximately $55,000 in the capital budget leftover from the last renovation in 2000. The fund is specifically allocated for bridge and dam repairs.
Town officials voted in favor of seeking estimates from engineers for the project with a limit of $50,000. Simpson said he’s also spoken with several local stone masons about the proposed repairs and ramp construction.
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