Category: Proposals

Traditional Restoration Options are still a Great Choice

Traditional Restoration Options are still a Great Choice

AUG 22, 2020 — 

I just had an hour plus conversation with Art Suckewer an engineer from Wrought Iron Bridge Works in New Jersey. His firm have completely restored bridges longer and more massive than the Upper Bridge and Old State Road Bridge.


There are known craftsman who are across the country that have the long forgotten skills to restore these bridges to their original condition. Truss Bridges like the Upper bridge were designed to carry herds of cattle across them and can hold crazy amounts of weight. Many modern engineering firms don’t understand the history and construction of these types of bridges and thus the load limits are usually listed far below what they are capable of.


Currently the Upper Bridge is set for 3 Tons. He said It could very easily hold upwards of 15-20 Tons. The Most expensive part of restoration in place is the painting ($500,000+ because of EPA Regulations), but if the bridge is taken off the foundations, and restored off the river it makes it much cheaper to paint ($125,00-200,000).


He also mentioned that because the old state road bridge (Clinton County) is made of Steel, it would/should be much cheaper to fix and reopen. These are all assumptions based on limited information on the current status of the bridges. A complete restoration by someone who knows how to restore these old bridges would last 30-50 years. There is also new three layer paint process that will allow paint to last longer than the previous ten year cycle before fading.


The bridge would look and act like it did when it was first built once restored. There are many options available depending on the condition of these bridges. His firm and other firms like his, will keep the historical integrity of the bridges in place.


This is another option that could work and cost much less than putting the steel beams under the bridges and placing the old truss on top for looks only. His last thought was there is far more push for restorations now than there was 10 years ago. He also mentioned that there are still Federal Grants available even though NYS is not offering grants at this time.

He gave me his company’s name along with two other companies that I’ve already been in touch with. They all do things like hot riveting a forgotten skill that is needed for these bridges. They remove the bridge, completely disassemble it fix any and all issues with the superstructure, and reassemble for much less than a traditional restoration by modern engineers.  There are options!!

A Perfect Solution

A Perfect Solution

AUG 17, 2020 — 

Last night I contacted County officials again because I came across an interesting video that brought a Historic Bridge up to legal road limits by replacing the abutments and putting steel beams under them and placing the truss on top.  This would remove the troublesome weight limit to these bridges.

This is a perfect solution to the “No Weight Limit” need at the county and state as well as keeping the historical value to the Community for generations to come.

You can find the two minute video here:

Fingers crossed that this may spark some discussion!

Updated Proposal for the Counties

Updated Proposal for the Counties

AUG 15, 2020 — 

Here is my next Proposal on how to save the bridges based off the information I’ve received this week:


We have two closed bridges here. The Upper Bridge is owned by Essex County. The Chasm Bridge is owned by Clinton County. Each County is responsible for 50% maintenance of the bridges.


Either way you look at this, In actuality Essex County has one bridge to fix, and Clinton County has one bridge to fix. We need to change the dialog from “We don’t have any money to do it” to “Lets find a way to make this happen, and find the money to do it”. The People of Keeseville and the surrounding area as well as tourists from all over the world love these bridges.


The following message is from Derek Rhode the Historic Site Restoration Coordinator:


“We did a brief check on this bridge and we would certainly suggest that they remain and be properly maintained.”
~Derek Rohde
New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation


The Counties must go through his office if Federal or state funding is used to remove them. Their suggestion is that the bridges be renovated and reopened and not demolished.


My suggestion is that the Counties talk, and figure out a way to make it work. In the grand scheme of things one bridge extra for each county isn’t going to make or break the system. They are not of high priority for the Counties, but they are certainly high priority to Keeseville. Let’s work together and find a solution to these long neglected bridges.


The Swing Bridge study came this past week, and there are a few minor issues to address (Sink hole, dangerous trees), but overall is in good health with repairs/paint needed within five years.


The Swing Bridge is in good enough shape for now, and in a few years get together and make that happen after the work on the other bridges is done. Just do the minor work now, and come back to it in a few years after opening the other bridges.


When the bridges reopen, brochures should be made advertising the “Historic Bridges of Keeseville”. Pictures of all five of our Historic Bridges (Including Arch Bridge and Ausable Chasm State Bridge). On the back of the brochure we should list all of the businesses in town and surrounding area. Disperse these brochures across the highway system and state like all the other brochures for towns do, and this will draw visitors in.


This creates Tax revenue for the Counties, and towns, supports our Businesses and Tourism. It also gives the people something positive to look forward to in the current times. It puts people to work, and invites guests to our town. This will lead to more business, and more people moving into the area. This, in conjunction with all the other major efforts happening with Keeseville will revitalize Keeseville and start bringing the town back to what it used to be.


Traffic Issues in the downtown area and Old State road would be fixed.
And lastly as a reminder, these are just ideas being put forward because it does need to be done. They aren’t meant to be perfect ideas. We aren’t angry, we are protecting Keeseville’s Heritage. We want our bridges to be used for generations to come. Thank you Clinton and Essex Counties for considering these options. We need you! Our bridges need to stay, and should be acted upon soon.

Comments/Suggestions:

keesevillehistoricbridges@gmail.com