Meetings Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Keeseville's Historic Bridges

Thank you Supervisor Hughes

By matt | May 7, 2021 | Comments 0 Comment

MAY 7, 2021 —

We just had a great afternoon with Essex Supervisor Ken Hughes who went out of his way to learn more about our Historic Bridges. Thank you Mr. Hughes for your willingness to learn about our heritage and our one of a kind bridges. You provided some great ideas for us, and we ALL appreciate your time. We were able to share our thoughts, and had some really great conversations about how important historic preservation is. I’d like to publicly invite any other Supervisor in Essex County to take a similar walk with me, to be informed on the facts about our bridges, and why they should be preserved. Anyone involved with an important issue and especially that requires a County vote, should consider seeing these bridges in person. Let’s work together to find a solution. Today’s meeting was very encouraging!

I’ve also sent each Supervisor in Essex County an email reminding them of the open invitation to tour the bridges.

Why Save The Upper Bridge?

By matt | May 2, 2021 | Comments 0 Comment

MAY 2, 2021 —

Why should we save the Upper Bridge?

-Longest and Oldest Double Span Metal Pratt Truss Bridge in NY
(214ft long total, two spans at 107 Feet each)
-Only Remaining Through Truss bridge made by Murray, Dougal and Company left in the world. (very significant)
-This bridge has a historical significance rating of 9 out of 10. (10 scores are only reserved for monumental bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge). Therefore it is the highest rating it can get!
-Built in 1878, this bridge was built during an experimental / developmental period in Civil Engineering.
-On the National Register of Historic Places
-National Civil Engineering Landmark
-Iron from bridge was provided by the Phoenix Mill in PA. This company built 1200 civil war canons, and later melted them down for other uses. It’s likely that our bridge was partially built with some recycled civil war canon iron, and most certainly built by civil war veterans.
-This bridge is well known by bridge enthusiasts all across the country.
-The Front St intersection at the Arch Bridge and State Bridge has been overwhelmed since this bridge closed. There have been many accidents at the Pleasant St intersection. This would allow for better traffic flow in Keeseville.
-Having this bridge open will support new businesses close by.
-Promoting tourism in the area.
-Preservation of Local and National History
-Rehabilitation is cheaper than building a new bridge
-Massive Community Support
-Massive Local Business Support
-Town Boards both passed Resolutions in Support
-Support from both Clinton and Essex County Residents
-Support from Historical Societies all across upstate NY
-Support from Civil Engineers all across the Country

Pick up your yard signs at the Keeseville Free Library, Mountain Valley Credit Union, Arnold’s, Loreman’s and the Town Offices. Save our Historic Bridges.

Essex County Upper Bridge Update

By matt | April 19, 2021 | Comments 0 Comment

APR 19, 2021 —

Essex County board of supervisors voted yes today to ask DPW Head Jim Dougan to look into options for restoring the upper bridge. A lot was brought up as far as concerns during the meeting, and I’m still gathering information. I hope to address those concerns and finally convince them this can be done. This is progress. We need Essex County Supervisors and DPW to be fully on board with us, and to help find ways to make it happen. They have the ability to research, use their experience and find funding.

I also heard a really great quote from yet ANOTHER engineer/expert in historical bridge restorations…

“There isn’t a bridge that is still standing that can’t be fixed….we restored a bridge in Delaware that was busted up and collapsed and was 1000 yards downstream”