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Recap History

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2021

Submitted by John Field

THE FINAL PHASE & RE-OPENING

On September 20, 2021- M3 Integrated Services arrived on site to commence the roofing portion of the Restoration and Rehabilitation of the (soon to be) Covered Bridge. The finished Shake Roof Assembly will consist of five (5) layers. From the bottom: 1- Flat Sawn Cedar Shakes, 2- Grace Ice & Water Shield Underlay, 3- 72# Felts, 4- 'Cedar Breather' Ventilated Underlayment, 5- Class B Treated Cedar Shakes.

A little more than a month later, the new roof was finished rendering the Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Bridgeport 'Covered' Bridge completed as of October 29, 2021.

Project Accomplished !

The Bridgeport Covered Bridge is the Longest, Single Span, Covered, Wooden Bridge in the World.

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A red ribbon cutting re-opening ceremony was held on November 4, 2021.

Month 28 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

AUGUST 2021

Submitted by John Field

STRUCTURAL WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED

At sunset on August 31, 2021, Spectra Historic Construction completed their final cleanup and demobilization of the construction site at South Yuba River State Park-Bridgeport. The month of August was packed with great accomplishments and adversities. The adversities were attributed to the severe smoke pollution caused by several fires in Northern California. There were a few days when the air quality index was so severe that the carpenters were forced to suspend work. Progress forged ahead (despite the delays) to complete the entire structural construction of the wooden bridge. To enhance the occasion, the carpenters enjoyed a century-old tradition to celebrate completion of the timber structure by attaching a softwood bough to the rafter top and baptize the same with rum. One of the more well-known timber traditions involves nailing a bough or small evergreen tree to the highest point of the timber frame. The celebration is known as “Topping Out” with a “Wetting Bush”. (Photos of the carpenters atop the highest point in celebration are available within both our YouTube and Progress Photos and Videos Folders.)

Hardscape and Landscape work consisted of the addition of ADA parking spaces, security bollards, safety rails at each portal, smoothing and compaction of the portal approaches, and removal of the construction fencing. The only remaining task is the installation of the roof shakes by a roofing contractor.

Month 27 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

JULY 2021

Submitted by John Field

COMPLETION IS IN SIGHT!

A very productive month of July presented a clear view of the completion of this very worthwhile project. July’s accomplishments included installation of most of the shake sidings, the Moment Frames had cladding installed, load testing was performed using large water totes on the top and bottom of the bridge. In preparation for the removal of the Mabey bridge, the steel beamssupporting the work platforms(and other support functions) were removed using a huge crane, most of the lower deck planks (original timber) were installed, major yard cleanup and sorting, and finally the extraction of the Mabey bridge.

Within this month (August), the historical contractor (Spectra) plans to wrap up the project leaving only the final shakes to be installed on the roof by a separate roofing contractor. If all goes as anticipated, everything will be cleaned up and the bridge will be accessible by the end of September.

Month 26 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

JUNE 2021

Submitted by John Field

The month of June brought great progress in restoring the Bridgeport Covered Bridge’s signature look…Meaning the arches and side shakes. All the sidings and roof trusses except for the end sections have been installed. After a brief interlude of requisite load testing (using large water totes placed on the top chords at the ends and hung from the under belly of the bridge) the Mabey bridge will be removed. Once removed the remainder of the roof trusses and sidings will be completed along with installation of the floor timbers. Soon after, the roofing contractor will install the roof shakes and we will be ready to cut the red ribbon and welcome everybody back onto their beloved covered bridge. Completion is estimated at the end of September if not before.

Month 25 Completed.

NEWS RELEASE

A BRIDGEPORT BRIDGE RENOVATION MILESTONE!

On Monday May 24, the historical covered wood Bridge renovation project at Bridgeport in the South Yuba River State Park hit a major milestone! The Bridge was lowered from the supporting structure that has held it suspended over the south fork of the Yuba River for the past 20 months onto its own foundation. A major portion of the structural work has been completed and it is now time for the true test! Soon the major arch support, that is such a distinguishing aspect of the Bridge, will be installed along with the flooring and roof structure. Also, the temporary steel bridge support structure will soon be removed. Once the shake roof and siding are installed, we will all be able to see the Bridge very much like it was when first completed by David Wood back in 1862. This historical treasure, the longest single span wood covered Bridge in the world, will soon reopen to the public. We will all be able to experience crossing the Bridge over the Yuba as did the early pioneers and miners. We are all looking forward to the Grand Re-opening of the Bridge later this year.

Doug Moon

Chair – Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee

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Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

MAY 2021

Submitted by John Field

Since the above news release was issued on May 25, 2021, the first Arch Leaf (of four) was assembled and fit above the deck level on the East side. Earlier in the month many of the Roof Assemblies were fabricated and installed, the steel struts that reinforce the top Chords together on both sides were installed, and the second half of the Arch Buckets (the receptors of the Arches at their terminus) were bolted into place at both abutments. As we begin the third year of this monumental endeavor, progress will continue at an efficient pace as we near completion targeted for late Summer or early Fall of 2021.

Month 24 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

APRIL 2021

Submitted by John Field

Work and progress continued at a very efficient pace in the month of April. Most of the carpenters worked six - ten-hour days per week performing various larger tasks together and in separate groups for smaller tasks simultaneously.

Some of the completed highlights consisted of (but not limited to) the completion of the top chords and the drilling for the truss rods; Arch buckets (or thrust pads) for the arch ends at each abutment were installed and secured to the pilaster rebar; The template was created for all the arch segments, and many of the arch segments were milled on site by the carpenters using very large circular power saws and hand planes. All of the truss rods were installed including the re-installation of the eight “chosen” original Wrought Iron rods with “Maker’s Marks.”

As a special note, the Chief Carpenter and Bridgewright, Tim Andrews had this to say: “The first round of tightening the truss rods, and tuning (sounding) the main and counter braces is completed. We began the tightening/tuning operation starting from mid-span and progressed towards the abutments, while working in unison from mid-span to abutments, tightening panel points 13 and 15 at the same time, etc. We measured the amount of camber prior to the start of the tightening/tuning operation and after completion of the same. An increase of one inch of camber at midspan was developed and recorded. By definition, we have "trussed" the bridge by tightening the truss rods. The development of additional camber through the tightening/tuning process is proof positive that any "slop" that might have been present during the fit up of the main and counter brace, has been removed. Both the main and counter braces "sing" as they should when struck with a wooden mallet. Moderate pressure was applied using 3-foot-long wrenches to tighten the truss rods.”

The second round of truss rod tightening/tuning will be done 14 days from the completion of the first round allowing for settling and relaxation of the trusses and chord components.

In addition to the busy April schedule, steel channels and gusset plates were installed on the upper chords which will accommodate the chord bracing of the upper chords together from side to side by means of steel “X-Bracing”. Finally, the concrete forms for the pilasters and the portal approach curbs were built.

Month 23 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

MARCH 2021

Submitted by John Field

As Spring approached, progress marched successfully ahead with a great deal of timber being installed up top. Moving from the South end to the North, all remaining Tie Beams, Lateral X-Braces and Top Chords (7 layers high-full length on both sides) have been installed. In addition, all the Truss X-Braces and Counter Braces have been either re-worked or replaced (where necessary) and fitted into their cast iron shoes on the top and bottom of each. Continuous “fine tuning” adjustments utilizing special measuring techniques assure the camber is being maintained properly. Both abutments have been backfilled with multiple layers of compacted aggregate base gravel (AB) to within one last layer to be placed after the completion of the concrete work on the pilasters and the approach curb at each entrance. The arch buckets are now in the process of being installed to the rebar for the pilasters adjacent to the rock walls below the portal entrances. The arch buckets will be the anchoring for the new arches currently being developed by our many (very) skilled Bridgewrights and Timber Framers.

The month of April will include the completion of all concrete work, final back filling of the abutments, holes being drilled for the truss tension rods, steel X- bracing installation and welding up top. There is a possibility that the bridge will be lowered to its final height on the abutments toward the end of April.

Month 22 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

FEBRUARY 2021

Submitted by John Field

Great progress continues toward complete Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Historic Covered Bridge at South Yuba River State Park in Penn Valley, California. Work in February consisted of many installations including (not limited to): The Bottom Chords are completed, Floor Beams on each end, all four Truss Terminus-Framed Buttresses and Tie Beams, and placement (or replacement if necessary) of the Truss X Braces and Counters.

The projection for March consists of the continuance of the fitting up of the Truss X components, installing the timber Tie Beams and sections of the Top Chords, the concrete Arch Thrust Pads or Pilasters will (hopefully) be poured and completed, and backfill completed at the abutments.

Month 21 Completed.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge Rehabilitation & Restoration

JANUARY 2021

Submitted by John Field

Progress in January of 2021 presented itself with some delays due mainly to weather. Considering that, all four Bolster Beams were placed along with most of their corresponding Bottom Chords. You can view the installation process in assorted video and photo formats in the January 2021 folder found on this website by clicking on the Ongoing Progress Photos and Videos button directly below this text.

Further progress was achieved largely in the preparation of the Truss Terminus and Buttress sections modified to plumb and geometric perfection. Soon we will see considerable installation of more major components as our historic covered bridge takes shape. The first half of this year will present us all with our newly rehabilitated and restored treasure at the South Yuba River State Park at Bridgeport.

Month 20 Completed.

YEAR END BRIDGE RESTORATION UPDATE – SAVE OUR BRIDGE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

This has been a difficult year for everyone and the same applies to the Bridgeport Bridge Restoration Project. The original estimate for completion of the restoration was late spring 2020. There were delays caused by the introduction of a different design for the “Mabey Bridge” installation used to support the wood bridge during construction, some major engineering design and implementation delays in late spring and early summer, and there have been recent delays caused by abutment and foundation issues. The good news is there is total commitment by California State Parks, the Sierra Gold Parks Foundation and the Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee to complete this project and open to the public a fully restored historic covered wood Bridge. The longest of its kind in the world!

The foundation work is almost complete. The next steps are to introduce the major wood support beams, then the roof and bottom beams and to rebuild and install the huge arches that span the Bridge. All the necessary timber for the complete restoration is at the work site. The Bridge Wrights and carpenters have been fashioning all of these major components and most are ready to install as soon as the foundation work is complete. Many of the original 1862 timbers have been saved and are being used in the reconstruction of the Bridge, as well as eight original iron rods with the 1862 maker’s marks from iron foundries all over the world.

Realistically, completion of the Bridge restoration looks like it will be in the spring of 2021. Another good reason to look forward to a better year in 2021! Wishing everyone a very happy, safe and healthy New Year!

Doug Moon

Chair – Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee

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BRIDGEPORT COVERED BRIDGE REHABILITATION & RESTORATION

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

Submitted by John Field

As the year 2020 winds down to an end, we can look back on much successful progress made towards the Restoration and Rehabilitation of our beloved 1862 Wooden Covered Bridge. We are very appreciative of the talent, knowledge and craftsmanship of all the carpenters, concrete and steel workers who have so-far contributed to what has the feeling of an efficient re-building process and something to be immensely proud of in the end. The many progress photos and videos are self-explanatory if you seek them out by clicking on the button below entitled “Ongoing Progress Photos /Videos”. Since we are condensing November and December into this final report for 2020, please take a look at the YouTube presentations for both months found below as well.

Now that the abutments have walls and mostly backfilled, it will be very soon before the bolster beams and bottom staggered chords will be placed, and we will see the bridge resting at its new height. From there, assembly will become very apparent by the completion of the truss X-sections and installation of the buttresses among other vital components…Stay tuned as we continue to follow the progress into 2021.

End of Months 18 & 19 and the conclusion of the year 2020

REBUILDING & REHABILITATING HISTORY

OCTOBER 2020

Submitted by John Field

The month of October 2020, was very productive towards rebuilding and rehabilitating the 1862 Bridgeport Covered Bridge in many ways. The stabilization towers and associated hardware were entirely removed, and the original floor beams were replaced by new. Concrete placement took place at both portal abutments creating the walls at the north end and the pile cap at the south end. Carpentry by our experts consisted of installing some of the permanent top chords, tie beams and x-bracing up top. In the yard, carpenters worked on rehabilitation of many of the reusable timber components to be installed as soon as the abutments are completed, and the bridge can be placed at its new height. Some of the components referred to are: Lower staggered step chords, bolster beams, truss terminus sections and buttresses. The original window frames have received a facelift and the floor stringers are prepared for installation. It is important to note that preserving the historic integrity is of foremost priority … Detailed photos and videos in the October 2020 folder are available in detail along with Parts 1&2 of the October YouTube video compilation. Please see below for how to access all the progress thus far.

End of Month 17!

SEPTEMBER PROGRESS MADE WITH UNAVOIDABLE DELAYS

SEPTEMBER 2020

Submitted by John Field

Progress: The truss “X-Sections” along both sides continued to be placed into their Cast Iron shoes located on the Bottom Chords. Along with the process, top shoes are being refitted and installation of the Top Chords and upper Tie Beams got under way… The North Portal Abutment construction of the concrete forms and rebar for the front, back, and wing walls continued … Excavation was done to uncover the concrete from the Stabilization Towers of 2015. Rebar sections protruding from the new abutment will be connected to the concrete sections to serve as a “Deadman Anchor” … The South Portal Abutment work consisted of grouting the West side Wing Wall and continued installation of rebar and preparation for the placement of the concrete Pile Cap … A large shaded working area was installed in the construction yard for the carpenters to work on the various preparation stages of the rebuilding of the wooden bridge. Among the many projects, the first of four 30ft. “staggered step” beams were milled on site and joined (scarfed) with a 46ft. beam to create the North West end Bottom Chord assembly. In addition, a 40ft. Bolster Beam will accompany the assembly. Once all four corner assemblies are constructed, they will be placed on top of the new abutments to hold the bridge up at its new height … A truck load of the new roof and side shakes arrived and put in secure keeping until needed … All the new floor stringers and floor beams were prepared for installation and work began on rehabilitating the original windows and frames from 1862.

Overall, there was a great deal of progress made, albeit unavoidable delays caused by hazardous air quality due to all the fires. Hence,several days of work stoppage for health and safety concerns were observed.

That is it for month 16 of the project so far!

AUGUST PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

AUGUST 2020

Submitted by John Field

The month of August 2020 brought progress and challenges.

First the Progress: The original Buttresses are being refurbished with the full intent of returning them to service. Also, the truss “X-Sections” along both sides continue to be placed into their shoes located on the lower chords. Along with the process, top shoes are being refitted. … The North Portal Abutment received thirty-five cubic yards of concrete to create what is called the “Pile Cap”. In short, A Pile Cap is a thick concrete mat that rests on concrete or timber piles that have been driven into soft or unstable ground to provide a suitable stable foundation. The next step will be the construction of the front, back, and wing walls to complete the abutment to support the wooden bridge at its new height. … Next came the steel “Moment Frame” which will be encased with wood and will be connected as the front part of the covered bridge portal. The purpose is meant to resist lateral and overturning forces (wind, floods) because of the bending moment and shear strength that is inherent in its members and the connecting joints. … The South Portal Abutment work consists of rebar installation and preparation for the placement of the concrete Pile Cap.

Challenge: The Jones Fire started by lightning just a few miles from Bridgeport along with many other fires in Northern California created hazardous air quality and deemed it necessary to curtail the carpentry work for many days.

That is it for month 15 of the project so far!

PUTTING IT ALL BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!

JULY 2020

Submitted by John Field

By Doug Moon, Chairman of the Save Our Bridge Campaign.

Greetings everyone,

I thought this would be a good point in the Bridge Project for an update because they are starting to put the Bridge back together! After months of delay and the months spent painstakingly taking the Bridge apart there has been real progress made towards the reconstruction. The bottom main timbers, (called “chords”), have all been repaired or replaced as needed. This effort took quite a bit longer than anticipated as the carpenters discovered much more dry rot than estimated. The foundations (called "abutments") at both ends of the Bridge are almost finished. It was amazing that this Bridge sat on a foundation primarily consisting of huge boulders, rocks and dirt for 158 years and was so stable. Some of the boulders that needed to be removed were so large that the abutment subcontractor had to use saws with diamond blades to cut them into smaller pieces so that the cranes could remove them. The new abutments will be super stable. They consist of multiple pours of concrete, micro pilings that were driven down into the earth many feet and filled with concrete, steel dowels were driven into the remaining rock walls and attached to rebar. Another big placement of concrete (called the “pile cap”) should happen soon on each end of the Bridge. Once that has cured and been tested, a final pour of the new walls will be achieved, then the Bridge can be lowered onto the new abutments. In the meantime, the truss cross braces (the big X braces that run down each side) that were removed and temporarily attached to the Mabey bridge are being reinstalled onto the Bridge. This is the first step in putting it all back together again. Soon you will be able to see the familiar old shape of our special Bridge take shape!

REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION MAKING PROGRESS

JUNE 2020

Submitted by John Field

In the past we have been slightly confused about the best way to properly describe the process of the re-building of our beloved wooden bridge. If you have been wondering when we were going to finally land on a more accurate description, here it is: Rehabilitation and Restoration. Each has its own meaning that ties them together. By one definition, Rehabilitation is the Restoration of something damaged or deteriorated to a prior good condition. Our apologies for using the term ‘Resuscitation’ in the past…It will not happen again!

The month of June consisted mainly of disassembling parts of the bottom chords and reassembling them with new timber only where needed. Even the original ‘stitch bolts’ and ‘square nails’ were reused where possible. Some of the original hardware was heated on an old forge using coal and straightened on a hand made anvil right on site…Yes, keeping with history and tradition as much as possible!

Meanwhile, both the North and South end portal’s abutments were excavated in preparation for the new abutments to support the bridge at its new height. An old abutment wall on each end was preserved and smoothed, ‘lean-mix’ slurry was poured into forms (taking the place of fill dirt), ‘Micropyles’ were drilled and sunken into place.

The many June photos and videos available will give you a complete tour of the process along with a two-part YouTube presentation (now narrated in part) created as a compilation of the photos and videos.

RESTORATION AND RESUSITATION HAS BEGUN

MAY 2020

Submitted by John Field

The month of May began with the use of the Gin Poles to lift unified sets of Truss Braces & Counter Braces (the X’s) up and out of the Cast Iron Shoes on the Bottom Chords and placed them temporarily fastened to the Maybe bridge to allow repair to the Bottom Chords. Repair and straightening the bottom chords is now well under way. During the completion of the disassembly process, the remaining wrought iron truss rods were removed and even more “maker’s marks” were discovered for a total of seventeen different manufacturers contributing to our original 1862 wooden bridge. Also, the portal buttresses were removed and work on the stone veneer in front of where the new abutments will be is underway. Preparation consists of cutting out damaged or weakened mortar joints and filling in those joints with fresh mortar, a process known as repointing. The excavation behind the veneer rock walls will begin soon in preparation for the construction of the new abutments on both ends.

Considering the swings in weather in May from high heat to considerable rain, the progress made by the great team of carpenters was impressive marking not only the completion of the disassembly phase, but more importantly the beginning of restoration and resuscitation.

The middle of June is the “one year” anniversary of the actual beginning of this project and we are looking forward to the completion before the end of this calendar year.

ALMOST BARE BONES!

APRIL 2020

Submitted by John Field

To date, the upper chords, tie beams and most of the wrought iron truss rods have been removed. The floor beams have been temporarily spaced below the lower chords to enable lower chords repair work to be accomplished. The month of May will consist of the use of a Gin Pole (pole that uses a pulley or block and tackle on its upper end to lift loads) to lift unified sets of Braces & Counter Braces (the X’s) up out of the Cast Iron Shoes on the Bottom Chords in order to swing them back to be temporarily fastened to the Maybe bridge to clear them out of the way to allow repair to the Bottom Chords...If it weren't for gravity, this process would be simple!

Thank you to our photographers and Bridgewright Carpenter Tim Andrews, Bridgewright Carpenter Will Truax, and Project Inspector John Rebenstorff for your ongoing dedication to our archival photo program. Thanks also to Herb Lindberg for his persistence and tireless efforts with the editing and assembly process of our YouTube videos. 155 Photo and Video entries were posted for April and this month there are two parts to the monthly YouTube video.

UPLIFTING NEWS ABOUT HISTORIC BRIDGEPORT BRIDGE PROJECT!

MARCH 2020

PRESS RELEASE (Partial) by Doug Moon

Submitted by John Field

During these trying times the Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee wanted to share some “uplifting” news (pun intended!). The project to restore and re-open the historic covered wood Bridge crossing the South Yuba River at Bridgeport is back on track after a four month delay in construction. Over the past four days of work the covered Bridge has been released from its foundation and has been raised by a hydraulic lifting process. By raising the Bridge off of the foundations, the carpentry work can begin to remove and replace major structural timbers. This move will also allow for new foundation work to be installed at both ends of the Bridge. The new foundation will eventually support and raise the Bridge to a new level. The Bridge is now solely supported by the metal “Mabey Bridge” that was installed last November. The metal bridge also supports scaffolding that runs under, on the sides and on top of the wood Bridge to allow the carpenters access to every area. Towards the end of the project the metal bridge and all of the stabilization structures will be removed. No firm date has been established as to when the work will be completed, although hopes are for late Fall 2020. When re-opened, the iconic Bridge will look very much as it did when first constructed by David Wood in 1862.

WORK HAS RESUMED AFTER THREE MONTH HIATUS

FEBRUARY 2020

Submitted by John Field

A basic hiatus from work performance at the bridge site was apparent between December and March, however much engineering work was accomplished leading to the current resumption of the jacking-up process of the wooden bridge. It is anticipated that the wooden bridge lift will begin in March. As mentioned previously, further inspections revealed interesting “Maker’s Marks” on some of the historic 1862 wrought iron truss rods indicating various iron works contributing companies and where they were located. So far, a total of seven different ones were discovered in January and February. It is our hope to keep all of the marked truss rods in use and re-position them for pedestrian sightline display within the wooden bridge.

BRIDGEPORT BRIDGE RESTORATION PROJECT DELAYED

JANUARY 2020

PRESS RELEASE (Partial) by Doug Moon

Submitted by John Field

The Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee wishes to keep the community, who has been so supportive of the project to restore and re-open the iconic Covered Wood Bridge in the South Yuba River State Park, informed of developments in the project. To that end we would like to share, in part, information about the status of the Project contained in a letter sent to Nevada County Supervisor Sue Hoek from California State Parks and Recreation Department Acting Sierra District Superintendent Matt Green on Jan. 10, 2020. Superintendent Green states in the letter that “Although there has been progress in the restoration of the historic bridge, California State Parks regrets to inform you that (the) project will not be completed by this spring, as previously scheduled”. He goes on to report “While a revised completion date is not currently available, it is likely that the project will not be finished until the second half of 2020”.

Although this is disappointing news, the Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee has been assured by State Parks that this project is of the utmost importance and that complete restoration and re-opening of the Bridge is assured. State Park staff working on the project has been extremely cooperative in sharing information and including the Committee in meetings.

Although work progress was slow in January (partially due to weather), further inspections have revealed interesting “Maker’s Marks” on some of the historic 1862 wrought iron truss rods indicating various iron works contributing companies and where they were located. So far, a total of four were discovered in January and you can see them in the January photos and videos folder.

2019 – FINALLY! THE BRIDGE RESTORATION PROJECT BEGINS!

Submitted by Doug Moon

After eight years of concerted effort by many members of our community, by our local elected officials and by numerous organizations, the project to Save Our Bridge finally came to fruition. The actual construction work to renovate and restore the 158-year-old, longest single span wood covered bridge left in the world began in July. It is a very complex and difficult project. The restoration must be done correctly to maintain the historical significance of the Bridge. As many original timbers as possible must be retained or reused, while making sure that any damaged timbers are replaced to make sure the Bridge is restored back to its original strength. All the replacement wood must match the original, and must be milled without any heart wood, just as David Wood did in 1862. The project is being done over a designated wild and scenic river with flows that vary widely by season. There are also significant constraints on what can be put in the river, when and for how long. Even with all these considerations, the project is moving forward. The wood bridge is stripped down to a bare skeleton. A metal bridge has been constructed within, which will be used to support the wood bridge as it is detached from its shoring, act as scaffolding for reconstruction work and be the structure used to eventually raise the wood bridge to its new height. Large deliveries of the replacement timbers have arrived however more still need to be ordered. Soon the Bridge will be detached from its shoring and lifted using 56 jacks, lifting the Bridge one eighth inch at a time to its new height. Then new pilings will be driven at each end and additional concrete abutments will be poured. The Bridge will then be lowered and reattached to the reinforced and raised shoring. Then the work will really begin to reconstruct and restore the Bridge to its original beauty. As important as 2019 was to have the project start, 2020 will even more spectacular. By the end of the year we will be able to once again experience the feeling out in the middle of that old Bridge, looking out a window suspended over the middle of the Yuba river and hearing in our minds the creak and clatter of a Calistoga wagon pulled by a team of horses moving across the Bridge on its way to the Comstock Lode.

I want to express a special Thank You to all the members of the Save Our Bridge Campaign Committee who have remained so vigilant and resolute over the many years in order to accomplish this goal.

WORK TOWARD LIFTING OUR HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE CONTINUES

NOVEMBER 2019

Submitted by John Field

Progress was made in November toward the eventual monumental task of lifting the wooden bridge. The cross beams and spacing blocks were installed under the bottom edge chords of the wooden bridge by connecting to the Mabey bridge above. Vertical beams for supporting the upper and lower “work” platforms under the wooden bridge were also attached, and the construction of the platforms began. Soon, a safety net will be placed under the entire scaffolding. When the jacking process begins, we will be posting photos and videos daily to keep you abreast of the progress.

With the winter weather upon us, a plan to weatherproof the wood with a wrap will be a project. The reusable timber in the yard is also being protected.

It is hopeful that as much progress as possible can be made while the winter performs its magic of providing the much-needed fire protection and nourishment for our forests.

LIFTING THE HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE IS GETTING CLOSER

OCTOBER 2019

Submitted by John Field

The month of October began with the removal of the temporary center shoring because the Mabey bridge was fully in place and independently supported, therefore the ‘precautionary’ center support was no longer useful. The center shoring would have prevented any sagging during the Mabey bridge installation, and it was determined through many measurements that it never sagged at all. The integrity of our wooden bridge is excellent.

Next came the removal of all remaining wooden shakes from the sides and extensive inspections transpired once uncovered. It was determined that a very large percentage of the existing timbers are in excellent condition and will be re-used.

Finally, the steel used to construct the ‘jack-shoring’ scaffolding was assembled and installed above and below the Mabey bridge in the form of cross beams and threaded steel rods. The referred to ‘jack shoring’ is the apparatus that will be instrumental in supporting the hydraulic jacks to ultimately raise the wooden bridge to its new height approximately sixteen inches above its current level.

THERE IS A BRIDGE WITHIN A BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2019

Submitted by John Field

The month of September presented the full Mabey bridge assembly and positioning inside of the wooden bridge. It is now bolted down on both ends on their independent shoring supports awaiting the next phase. Following the removal of the temporary center shoring towers there will be construction and installation of the “under bridge” scaffolding which will be supported by steel rods dropping down from the Mabey bridge. The scaffolding will ultimately be instrumental in supporting the hydraulic jacks that will lift the historic wooden bridge to a new height approximately 18” above its present level.

Another accomplishment in September was the complete removal of the side shakes enabling thorough inspection of all the timber members and structures. As of now, all timber inspections have been completed, and it has been determined that many of the original timbers are in good condition and will not need to be replaced, however an order has been placed for the portions that do need replacement.

Further, a “mock-up” design of the roof and side shakes has been approved and the replacement shakes have been ordered as well.

HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION CONTINUES

AUGUST 2019

Submitted by John Field

July was a very hot month, however assembly and installation of the Steel (Mabey) bridge and further de-construction continued. In case you’re wondering, the Mabey bridge is a steel structure being rolled into the wooden bridge to ultimately be instrumental in raising the wooden bridge an estimated 16-18 inches.

As is pointed out in the recent August YouTube Video by Herb Lindberg, there is a reference to ‘restoration’ and ‘rehabilitation’ in the detailed plan drawings for our Historic Covered Bridge. Herb’s first impression was that the two terms seemed somewhat redundant, but after some research, here is what he found to be the difference: “In architectural terms, “restoration” is a process or act of depicting the characters and features of a property as it appeared at a particular period…Rehabilitation of a building means returning a building or a structure to a useful state by means of repair, modification, or alteration.” Herb also points out that “inappropriately performing the second could easily negate the first!”

HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE RESTORATION IS PROGRESSING!

AUGUST 2019

Submitted by John Field

With the completion of the roof removal in June, progress with "de-construction" continued in July with the removal of the end side sections (not over water) and the top deck layer planks. The lower level deck planks have had their square fastening nails removed and are ready for removal at the appropriate time as determined by Spectra Historic Construction. There were (and will continue to be) ongoing inspections to determine what needs replacement or can be reused...Much more coming with the assembly and installation of the Steel (Mabey) bridge and further de-construction. Comments and descriptions will accompany the photos and videos as usual...Stay tuned!

HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE RESTORATION IS WELL UNDER WAY!

JULY 2019

Submitted by John Field

Mobilization by Spectra Historic Contractors of Pomona, California began the Bridgeport Covered Bridge restoration project on June 12, 2019. Since creating a secure construction yard compound utilizing the Bridgeport South parking lot, extensive disassembly of the bridge so-far consists of complete removal of the entire roof.

As of June 28, 2019, all the roof shakes and roofing structures have been removed rendering it open and "flat topped". The wheel planks (or wearing surface planks) from the floor of the bridge have also been removed. All of the roof shakes will eventually be replaced with new shakes when the bridge is re-assembled.

Note that the roof shakes do not have historic significance because there has been a need to replace them periodically over the years for various reasons, mainly weather destruction. An effort to re-use as much structuring as possible is planned.

Project Updates

June 12, 2019

HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE RESTORATION HAS BEGUN

Mobilization by Spectra Contractors of Pomona, California, have begun installing fencing, office trailers and equipment in preparation for a major renovation of the historic covered bridge at South Yuba River State ParkBridgeport in Penn Valley, California.

Built in 1862, the bridge has undergone other renovations and repairs with this being a major undertaking. Once the project is completed, expected in the fall of 2020, it will be eighteen inches higher with new shingles, sidings, floor planking, interior trusses and steel tension rods.

Progress photos will develop on a daily basis with eventual aerial drone coverage and You Tube stories at this page(See Restoration Progress - June, 2019).

The South parking lot is closed during the project, however the North parking remains available for public use.

The Visitor Center, Barn and Gas Station will remain open as well as weekend gold panning and beach access.

For more information, please call 530-432-2546.

January 7, 2019

The reconstruction project on the Bridgeport Covered Bridge is moving forward. A construction contract was awarded to Spectra Company in the fall of 2018. The total project cost is $6.9 million. Spectra Company will begin mobilizing materials and equipment this spring in preparation of starting construction in late spring or early summer, once water levels are safe. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

A new website has been created by DPR staff for the Project. It is quite extensive and has a lot of the plans, history, drawings and reports related to the Project. It is available for anyone to access.

Learn More...