Construction of the Matkin Memorial Bridge
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The completed William "Bill" Matkin Trail Bridge over Hwy 1
The bridge is now in place. Volunteers built the wooden approaches to the bridge.
The bridge was designed by local Structural Engineer Bill Matkin, who also was responsible for designing most of the other Loop Trail bridges. We are honored and delighted to be able to name this marvelous, rainbow-shaped bridge in his memory.
Sustainability and zero maintenance were the deciding factors in the material choice. That is why all-weathering Cor-ten steel was chosen for the bridge structure. The bow string truss design is historical and serves as an elegant gateway into Fairfield.
A Fairfield Ledger newspaper article tells some of the story.
Plans are afoot to light this structure in the evening hours. Also, a tasteful and aesthetically pleasing plaza on the west side of Highway 1, adjacent to the bridge, is under construction.
Local artist Judy Bales has a hand in all the design elements involved in the plaza.
The inauguration of the long-awaited Charles William "Bill" Matkin trail bridge over Highway 1 took place Sunday, October 25th, at 2:00 PM.
From 1945 to 1985 the Rock Island Railroad had a bridge here, but diagonally across the highway.
The new Matkin Memorial Bridge for the Loop Trail is a tribute to Bill Matkin.
The west pier is being constructed. Both of the old railroad bridge piers were removed in 1986.
The east pier - the concrete was poured into the form. 09/04/09.
PCI is the contractor. The bridge itself was built by Continental Bridge.
The east pier - a form is being prepared for the top piece of the pier.
Dirt work continues at the west pier.
The west pier already has the top piece of the pier in place.
This is a protector for an fiber-optical cable which is buried underground .
A water line, a natural gas line, and telephone lines are also buried nearby.
The French-Reneker inspector is checking everything. MUM is in the background.
Ready for the bridge to be lifted into place. Looking east.
One end of the bridge was just delivered by truck. 09/16/09.
The other end of the bridge will be lifted off the second truck.
The bridge was built in a factory in two pieces, so it could be transported easily.
Now they have to fit it back together again.
The crane is essential.
The two pieces a supposed to fit into each other.
It fits!!! Now it will be pushed together and the bolts will be replaced.
The next step - use an impact wrench to give the bolts a final tightening.
The crane is in place for the final lift.
The deck is being fastened in place. Concrete will be poured on it after the bridge is in place.
Outriggers keep the crane stable and level.
The builder's plate. The bridge finish is a natural rust, which protects the steel.
Workers guide the bridge using ropes on each end.
Spectators remarked that the bridge looked like it is too short.
Workers pull the bridge around into place.
The east pier. The bridge will be bolted to the pier.
The bridge is long enough!
The west end must be wrestled into place.
Some of the spectators.
Metal shims are used to level the bridge.
The first person to cross the bridge.
The lifting straps are ready to be removed.
The crane is getting ready to leave.
A concrete pumper truck will lift the concrete to the bridge deck. 09/17/09
Concrete is dumped into the pumper ...
... and it is checked for stiffness.
Everybody is ready at the east end of the bridge.
The concrete is starting to flow from the pipe.
Finishing work is done as they go along. The curbs are molded in.
A view from the west side about two hours later.
A front-end loader moves dirt below the bridge.
New topsoil is being spread around the embankment. The big rocks will collect rainwater drainage.
Both sides of the highway will get new topsoil, then it will be seeded.
Tomorrow the workers will leave and the highway will be open again.
But first they will clean off any splashed-over cement. 09/18/09
Next, the approaches will be built, largely by volunteers.
Before the road is opened again, Chris takes a ride on his recumbent. (rb)
Ron Blair tries out the bridge. (rb)
Highway 1 is open after being closed for 3 days. (rb)
Photos by Jeff Fitz-Randolph and Ron Blair (rb), Sept, Oct 2009
Every effort is made to ensure accurate information is posted to the site. However, Jefferson County Trails Council does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of the content on this site or content which is referenced by or linked to this site. © 2001-2016 Jefferson County Trails Council, Fairfield, Iowa. Updated 05-19-16
