Highbridge Bridge Update : Paving Day

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I really think we should have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of this bridge. Get the selectmen involved and drive some antique car  across this bridge. Today they were  paving the road on each side of the bridge. Right on schedule!

The bridge has a waterproof coating applied. A layer of asphalt will be applied to the bridge, followed by a “wear” layer.

Keep it smooth

Wonder who will be first to cross the river?

HIghbridge Repair Update: Guard Rails

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I took the opportunity to take a stroll along the newly constructed sidewalk across the span of the Highbridge bridge which is approaching completion. This is the first time since I’ve lived here to see the Souhegan River from this vantage point. It was impossible before without risking being struck by a car or truck.

New Sidewalk and attractive guard rails

Looking upstream at the Souhegan from the bridge

Souhegan forty feet below

Bridge is coated with some type of protective membrane. It is much wider than before.

Old bridge is still intact but is not part of the supporting structure.

Bridge repair update – September 27, 2015

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Bridge is looking good.

Skirt added to the bridge, almost looks ready for traffic. Planned completion date is Mid-October.

Bolts installed in sidewalk. I’m hoping we see a nice railing so we can get a view of the Souhegan 40+ feet below the bridge.

Bridge repair update – a sidewalk!

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I was pleased to see the inclusion of raised sidewalk which will be included as part of the bridge repair project. I’ve always wanted to view the river without the danger of being run down.The workers poured the cement on September 18, 2015.

Workers pour cement for the sidewalk on Highbridge.

Highbridge Repair Update – September 11, 2015

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A full day of work at Highbridge in New Ipswich.

Cement being pumped onto bridge decking and rebar. The pumper could only reach half way and needed to be moved to the other side to finish the work.

Workers cover the cement with wet burlap till it cures.

A motor driven roller smooth the cement . It travels back and forth along rails (See Video).

They used all the cement before they finished this patch. One worker joked that it was a speed bump. Another call for a cement truck.

The workers got some down time until the last load of cement arrived.

The bridge is completely suspended over the span and has no physical contact with the original stone bridge. It offers an ideal habitat for a troll.

Bridge Repair Update – September 4, 2015

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The bridge looks great and is on schedule for traffic in mid-October.

Rebar in place. The green color is the epoxy coating to prevent corrosion when encased in cement.

Workers on bridge. On the right side of this photo will be a raised sidewalk (with curb) which will allow pedestrians a safe passage over the bridge.

The device being suspended by the crane has a metal roller to smooth the cement after it is poured.

Highbridge Repair Update – decking in place and secured to the support beams

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Cement decking arrives on site

Decking is constructed with rebar. The panels are supported on solid strips of insulation. Note how a channel is formed between the panels. That will be filled with cement and anchor bolts.

Dust can be seen from sandblasting between the panels. Later steel bolts will be welded to the support beams and back filled with grouting.

Welded posts in grout can be seen protruding above the decking.

Cement forms in place, cement poured and curing underway. Keeping it wet during the process.

From shore to shore, the first decking layer is in place. Later rebar will be added and 4 inches of cement will be added for the next layer.

Highbridge Repair Update – August 2, 2015

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Looks like things are progressing nicely with the bridge project across the Souhegan.

A nice bed of gravel has been laid across the bridge surface. It will be interesting to see what is next.

The forms have been taken off the buttresses on the Northern side of the river.

With some of the brush and trees removed it is great to see what this bridge looked like when it was built.

Cement forms on the Southern side

Some serious hardware for the bridge

Bridge Repair Update- May 25, 2015

Some serious excavation on either side bank of the Souhegan.

Concrete forms and new drainage on the Northern bank of the bridge.

It will be interesting to see how large the span will be when they complete the project.

I can only assume that similar work is being performed on the Southern Bank. I’ll check that out for my next update.

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Highbridge Reconstruction Project – Update May 12, 2015

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Some real progress has been made on the bridge work here in New Ipswich. Besides all the iron work they have plugged up the old water pipe (left) which used to carry water from Bank Village. Probably a good idea before someone crawled into it.

A serious pile driver. Imagine hearing that all day. I suppose it would shake the china off the shelves in the nearby home.

This shovel is parked right along the edge of a dirt bank, 42 feet above the Souhegan river. Please be careful.

Nice view for these folks. Only consolation is that the banks won’t be eroding for some time.