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Charles William "Bill" Matkin Memorial Bridge - a photo tour
Scroll down for more photos   Updated 04/17/10

LINKS:
  Photos of Matkin Bridge under construction.
  Photos of approaches being built.
  Photos of Bridge Inauguration (10/25/09).
  Photos of Matkin Memorial Plaza.

Return to the North Trail page, or return to the News page.

Let's tour the Charles William "Bill" Matkin Memorial Bridge on the Fairfield Loop Trail.
Our new pedestrian bridge over Hwy 1

But first, an update.   Chris Hallinger works on seeding and mulching. 04/17/10.   (rb)
But first, an update.   Chris Hallinger works on seeding and mulching.

Matt Hobbs and AJ Steiner also helped seed and mulch on Hwy 1. 04/17/10.   (rb)
Matt Hobbs and AJ Steiner also helped seed and mulch on Hwy 1.

04/17/10.   (rb)
More seeding.

Dick Arnold used a skid loader to distribute black dirt on the eastern approach trail. 04/17/10.   (rb)
Dick Arnold used a skid loader to distribute black dirt on the eastern approach trail.

Seeding and mulching on the eastern approach trail. 04/17/10.   (rb)
Seeding and mulching on the eastern approach trail.

The railroad bridge over Hwy 1 was removed after the Rock island Railroad ceased operations in 1980.   (kw)
Waiting for the Inauguration ceremony to begin.

A gate will be installed on the west side to prevent motorized vehicles from entering.
A gate will be installed on the west side to prevent motorized vehicles from entering.

As we head north on the Loop Trail, let's turn right onto the west approach.
As we head north on the Loop Trail, let's turn right onto the west approach.

The bridge crosses Iowa State Highway 1, near where the Rock Island Railroad used to cross. (info here)
The bridge crosses Iowa State Highway 1, near where the Rock Island Railroad used to cross

Volunteers built the approaches.
Volunteers built the approaches

Bridge contractors built and installed the bridge, which is built from maintenance-free steel.
Bridge contractors built and installed the bridge, which is built from maintenance-free steel

The east side curves left...
The east side curves left to join the old railroad bed.

...then right to join the old railroad bed.
The east side ...then curves right to join the old railroad bed.

Ferrellgas, a propane gas supplier, is to the left.   Trees may be planted to screen this.
Ferrellgas, a propane gas supplier, is to the left. Trees may be planted to screen this.

Now we are on the old Rock Island roadbed, which continues straight ahead.
Now we are on the old Rock Island roadbed, which continues straight ahead

The posts keep out motorized vehicles.   To the left is a small parking lot.
The posts keep out motorized vehicles.   To the left is a small parking lot

We have turned left to see the parking lot.
We have turned left to see the parking lot.

Let's turn around and go back over the bridge.   Bikes are allowed, of course.
Let's turn around and go back over the bridge.   Bikes are allowed, of course.

The sun is low in the sky in November.
The sun is low in the sky in November.

This was taken just before the Bridge Inauguration ceremony.   (kw)
This was taken just before the Bridge Inauguration ceremony.

As was this photo.   (kw)
As was this photo.

March 2010.   (jfr)
Matkin Bridge, March 5, 2010.

Photos by Jeff Fitz-Randolph, Ken West (kw), Oct-Nov 2009, and Ron Blair (rb)

LINKS:
  Photos of Matkin Bridge under construction.
  Photos of approaches being built.
  Photos of Bridge Inauguration (10/25/09).
  Photos of Matkin Memorial Plaza.

Return to the North Trail page, or return to the News page.

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.

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 had 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.  (Click here)

 


Jefferson County Trails Council
Our e-mail address is:
e-mail address
Our mailing address is:
Jefferson County Trails Council
P.O. Box 2375
Fairfield, IA 52556