"Bill" Matkin Bridge
Charles William "Bill" Matkin Memorial Bridge - a Photo Tour, updated 04/17/10 & 10/06/10
Let's tour the Charles William "Bill" Matkin Memorial Bridge on the Fairfield Loop Trail.
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.
(10/06/10) First, an update. To screen Ferrellgas from the trail, trees were donated by Bob & Rebecca Hougher.
They were transplanted by Steve Miller of Cedar Valley Sod & Seeding, and water was supplied by Ferrellgas.
(10/06/10) Ferrellgas is a propane gas supplier.
(10/06/10) They store their propane tanks behind the office.
A photo from 11/7/09 shows why screening would be nice.
(04/17/10) Another update. Chris Hallinger works on seeding and mulching. (rb)
(04/17/10) Matt Hobbs and AJ Steiner also helped seed and mulch on Hwy 1. (rb)
(04/17/10) More seeding. (rb)
(04/17/10) Dick Arnold used a skid loader to distribute black dirt on the eastern approach trail. (rb)
(04/17/10) Seeding and mulching on the eastern approach trail. (rb)
(10-25-09) The railroad bridge over Hwy 1 was removed after the Rock island Railroad ceased operations in 1980. (kw)
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.
The bridge crosses Iowa State Highway 1, near where the Rock Island Railroad used to cross.
Volunteers built the approaches.
Bridge contractors built and installed the bridge, which is built from maintenance-free steel.
The east side curves left...
...then right to join the old railroad bed.
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.
The posts keep out motorized vehicles. To the left is a small 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.
The sun is low in the sky in November.
This was taken just before the Bridge Inauguration ceremony. (kw)
As was this photo. (kw)
March 2010.
Photos by Jeff Fitz-Randolph, Ken West (kw), Oct-Nov 2009, and Ron Blair (rb)
Construction of the Matkin Memorial Bridge
Scroll down for more photos.
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
Construction of the Matkin Bridge Approaches
Scroll down for more photos.
How are we supposed to get onto the new bridge????
Now that the bridge is in place, the approaches must be built. Dick Reed and Jim Salts stake out the positions for the approach support poles.
East Approach Construction .... or jump to photos of: West Approach Construction
The east side approach needs a trail extended to meet the existing trail section.
Larry and Bob remove some trees that are in the way.
Looking north on the east side. Ferrellgas is in the background.
The old railroad roadbed, looking east behind Ferrellgas. Note the gate to the existing trail up ahead.
The south end of a drainage pipe under the roadbed put in by the railroad in 1945.
Note the old Rock Island Railroad ties.
They can't find the north end of the pipe, yet.
Update -- They found the inlet pipe. (rb)
Update 11/08/09 -- They made the inlet pipe functional again. And removed the tree.
09/16/09. Looking south. The bridge is next to the crane boom (right).
The east approach construction has started. (rb)
Checking that the work is done correctly. (rb)
09/29/09
09/29/09. The braces will stay in place until the concrete foundations set up.
09/29/09. Waiting for the form to be built for the approach end-support footer.
10/03/09. The ground got smoothed out after the concrete set up and the braces were removed.
10/04/09. The stringers are being mounted, getting ready for the joists.
10/04/09. The joists run from stringer to stringer to hold the deck floor.
The joists are fastened to the stringers by metal fixtures.
10/04/09. The end-footer is not ready yet.
10/04/09. A form will be built and concrete will be poured to make the end-footer for the approach.
10/07/09. It rained 2 days ago. Looking south towards the approach.
10/10/09. The end-footer is now ready, and work continues on the approach.
10/10/09. The joists need spacers between each joist for stability.
Power is provided by portable generators. Can you imagine sawing all this by hand?
10/10/09. The temperature suddenly dropped to the 30's today.
10/10/09. The view from across the road.
Deck boards are fastened in place. (rb)
10/11/09. By the end of the next day, most of the deck boards have been fastened.
10/11/09. The connection to the end-footer is not done yet.
10/11/09. Curved approaches are more difficult to build.
Trimming everything to fit. (rb)
10/11/09. Bill and Brian are trying to close the gap efficiently.
10/11/09. A close-up of the gap that needs to be decked.
10/11/09. Almost finished for the day. Next weekend they plan to finish up.
Time to start installing the railings. (rb)
We don't want anybody falling off. (rb)
10/18/09. It's the next Sunday afternoon and railings are being installed. (dfr)
The posts have to be cut level. (rb)
10/18/09. The joists now have reached the end-footer. (dfr)
10/18/09. Upright railing posts have to be cut to the right height. (dfr)
10/18/09. Bill and Ron consult on the best way to do this. (dfr)
10/18/09. Is this a happy worker, or is he just mugging for the camera?. (dfr)
10/18/09. Later that day and progress has been made.
10/18/09. Brian and Chris work as a team installing railings.
10/18/09. Chris says, "I need more screws!!"
10/18/09. It looks like the railings will be finished today.
10/18/09. The curves in the approach make it more difficult.
10/18/09. Looking back. The dirt-work will be done later.
Almost done with the railings. (rb)
10/18/09. Looking from the south.
All done with the east side approach construction. Next comes dirt-work by contractors. (rb)
Dirt was built up against the end-footer. (rb)
The old railroad roadbed section was smoothed out. (rb)
Then the trail was rocked. (rb)
Looking east along the railroad roadbed. A parking lot is to the left. (rb)
A roller was used to pack down the stone surface. The parking lot is to the right of the roller. (rb)
West Approach Construction
Now for the west side. Work begins on the approach. (rb)
09/26/09. Getting ready to build the form for the end-footer.
09/30/09. Dirt had to be removed to make a level approach. The end-footer form is ready.
Waiting for the concrete truck. (rb)
Double-checking the temporary braces. (rb)
09/30/09. The braces will be removed when the concrete sets up. The contractor checks for level.
10/03/09. Work starts on assembling the deck.
10/03/09. First the stringers must be attached, precisely.
10/04/09. The next day joists got attached to the stringers.
10/04/09. Manpower at work, no material-moving machines here.
10/04/09. Making plans for the next stage, which will continue next weekend.
The form was removed. (rb)
Dirt was moved into place. (rb)
10/10/09. The following weekend and the joists have reached the end-footer.
More bracing has to be installed before the decking can be nailed down.
10/10/09. "X" bracing works best.
10/10/09. The spacers between the joists are in place.
It is getting late. (rb)
10/10/09. Work will continue tomorrow -- unless it snows (20% chance).
10/11/09. The next day, the braces are done and more decking appears.
10/11/09. The holes being drilled into the bridge fence will receive the railing.
10/11/09 Railing upright posts have to be bolted to the outside joists.
10/11/09. Holes are drilled through the upright and into the joist.
Then the nuts and bolts are installed and tightened. (rb)
10/11/09. Ron is moving the ladder to the other side.
10/11/09. Checking for level. Note that all the braces below the deck are in place.
10/11/09. Screws are used to fasten down the decking.
10/11/09. Will the decking be finished today?
Looks like it. (rb)
10/18/09. It's the next Sunday afternoon and railings are being installed. (dfr)
10/18/09. Portable generators run the power tools. (dfr)
10/18/09. The railings are coming along. (dfr)
10/18/09. The railings are almost done. (dfr)
Finishing touches. (rb)
10/18/09. It's later that Sunday afternoon, and the west approach is finished.
10/18/09. The dirt ramp at the end of the approach will be created later.
10/18/09 Volunteers go to help the east-side workers finish up.
10/18/09. Looking from the south.
Dirt was built up on the trail. (rb)
Then the trail was rocked. (rb)
Winter. The gate has finally been installed. (jfr 03/05/10)
Photos by Jeff Fitz-Randolph, David Fitz-Randolph (dfr) & Ron Blair (rb)
Inauguration of the Matkin Memorial Bridge
Scroll down for more photos.
The inauguration of the long-awaited Charles William "Bill" Matkin Memorial Trail Bridge over Highway 1 took place Sunday, October 25th, at 2:00 PM.
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 has a hand in all the design elements involved in the plaza.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to see a 10 min You Tube presentation of the Inauguration, thanks to Brian Smith.
The day before the inauguration hay provided a walkway around the sticky Iowa mud. (jfr)
Dirt had been moved around to meet the end of the approach, and then it rained. A stone surface will be applied later. (jfr)
It did not rain on Inauguration day, and it was quite pleasant for a change. (jfr)
Waiting for the Inauguration ceremony to begin. (kw)
Gathering around, ready to listen to the speakers. (kw)
Some used the Loop Trail to get here from the south. (jfr)
Ron Blair decides it is time to start. (kw)
Ron Blair, Chairman of the Trails Council, introduces some of the key bridge volunteers. (kw)
Ron Blair thanks all of the hard-working volunteers who performed many different tasks through the years. (we)
A photo op for the volunteers who helped build the approaches. (kw)
Ron Blair gets ready to introduce the first speaker, Ed Malloy, the mayor of Fairfield. (kw)
The mayor spoke about how the trail system contributes to Fairfield's "Quality of Life". (kw)
Derik Wulfekuhle, Director, Fairfield Park & Rec., outlines his maintenance responsibilities for the Loop Trail. (kw)
Now, the first ribbon is cut to open the approaches. (kw)
Fran Matkin talks about her late husband, Bill Matkin, who designed the bridge. (kw)
Some people called him "Overkill Bill" because of the generous structural margins in his designs. (jfr)
Tom Pappin told stories of how Bill helped his construction business, and more. (kw)
The second ribbon cutting, opening the bridge itself. Two of the Matkin daughters help. (kw)
Refreshments are served on the bridge. (jfr).
Everyone benefits from the Loop Trail. (we).
Looking west from the east approach. (kw)
It rained and the freshly plowed dirt is just mud - you will get stuck in it. It will be surfaced with rock. (jfr)
The bridge finish is a natural rust, which protects the steel. No maintenance is needed. (kw)
The inauguration is over. Now look at the Matkin Memorial Plaza photos before you go. (jfr)
Photos by Jeff Fitz-Randolph (jfr), Ken West (kw), Werner Elmker (ew), Oct 2009
