It still
carries traffic with a three-ton limit but with simple
repairs, according to a computer, analysis the bridge could
carry 7-9 tons and the integrity of the bridge would not be
lost. Research
indicates that it was purchased through agents in Kentucky
and the Historic Landmarks Foundation of
Indiana, Southwest
Field Office, stated that they nominated the bridge for
listing on the National Historic Register.
These Tubular arch bowstring bridges, produced under
the patent gained by Zenas King in 1867, were the first
basic product of the King Bridge Company. They were
sold and erected all over the nation and were particularly
important in giving towns and counties the ability to
provide continuous road systems essential to the nation’s
economic growth after the Civil War.
Boner
Bridge is a Warrick
County
project since the "Lead
County" on repairing a bridge that spans two county lines is
the county on the west and north of the bridge. Members
of the Pyeattville community, about seven miles from where
this creek empties into the Ohio River on the
Spencer County
side, and the Warrick County Historical Society attended a
meeting several years ago where a company was hired to make
recommendations. The firm wanted to make changes to
the bridge that would not have kept its integrity as an
historical structure.
The
Warrick County Commissioners have been involved with the
bridges preservation and rehabilitation
since the late 1990's when they first applied for and
obtained state and federal funding with Transportation
Enhancement Award funds.
In
April 2004, the Warrick County Commissioners approved a
design proposal presented by WTH Engineering for the project after much study and
analysis as well as agreement from numerous local
preservation groups. The final design allowed the bridge to hold
onto its historical design while still ensuring the
structural needs of the future. The Board made a
motion to approve the proposal using wooden timber curbing
for a twelve ton design in the amount of $373,500 and it was
approved unanimously. Archaeological
and environmental studies were completed and bid
letting began with CLR
Inc. Construction and Transportation of Vincennes, IN
submitting the winning bid in October 2005.
The
restoration and rehabilitation commenced in the spring of
2006. Once the initial deconstruction began, hidden
damage was discovered including serious deterioration with
the stringers making numerous parts they had hoped to reuse,
past the point of salvage.
New
stringers were then designed and constructed using increased
amounts or steel to strengthen the structure, unfortunately
this discovery delayed work on the project as the new parts
were obtained.
The
need to make new stringers in addition to slowing the
completion of the project also increased the cost, but
fortunately due to appropriate planning even though many
parts were hoped to be reused, the final design had budgeted
to allow for the cost of replacements if it became
necessary.
The
bridge is currently in the phase of being cleaned and
scraped for preparation of priming, treating, and painting
and will be painted a "Rust Red" color.
After
this phase is completed the timbers will be placed for the
wooden deck and then new approaches will be put in place
with the project being completed in the early fall, weather
permitting. M. D. Wessler and Associates will make the
final acceptance of the finished project for the county.
The
painting has been completed and the new timbers are being
laid and the bridge is still on time for an early fall
completion.
The
Boner Bridge was completed as predicted in October
2006.
More
pictures of the completed Boner Bridge.
HNI, the
Warrick County Commissioners, the Spencer County Commissioners,
the Spencer County
Historical Society, and the Boonville Preservation Alliance
along
with Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana held a dedication ceremony for
the Boner Bridge during the May
Preservation Month activities on Saturday May 5, 2007.
Boner Bridge Dedication &
Reception Photos HERE
