Israel River Bridge Abutment Repair
On November 12, 2020, the Israel River Bridge, located on the Presidential Rail Trail in Randolph, was lifted off the ground to begin a major repair to its stone abutments. Based on the plaque on the side of the bridge, the bridge was built and installed in 1917 by The Boston Bridge Works. The granite block abutments were hand carved by Italian stonemasons in the late 1800’s for the Boston and Maine Railroad. After over 100 years, the abutments were becoming unstable. The challenging project to restore the abutments was funded with help from the local snowmobile clubs and the NH Bureau of Trails.
It took a huge crane to lift the bridge off of its abutments.
Here is a video of the Liftoff - Israel River Bridge Liftoff Video
It’s interesting to note that no bolts or fasteners hold that 65,000-pound bridge in place. The bridge slides freely on 4 small trapezoidal-shaped iron supports on each abutment. When heavy locomotives pulled heavily loaded freight-cars over the bridge, the bridge would move forward with the train, sliding an inch-and-a-half on these supports. When the train returned, the bridge would slide the other way. This feature likely caused less stress and torque on the bridge structure.
On December 15th, just in time for the winter season, the bridge was swung back over the reinforced abutments and gently and expertly placed back onto its supports.
Here is a video of the Touchdown - Israel River bridge Touchdown Video
A big thank you goes out to the crew of Northern New England Field Services for a great job for all the work - liftoff, repair and touchdown. Thanks also to the Waumbek Methna, Jefferson Highlanders and Presidential Range Riders Snowmobile Clubs along with the NH Bureau of Trails for their efforts to coordinate the repair and maintenance of the trail. We cyclists, walkers, runners, equestrians and XC skiers are fortunate to have the Presidential Range Rail Trail to enjoy year-round due to the efforts of these organizations.
On November 12, 2020, the Israel River Bridge, located on the Presidential Rail Trail in Randolph, was lifted off the ground to begin a major repair to its stone abutments. Based on the plaque on the side of the bridge, the bridge was built and installed in 1917 by The Boston Bridge Works. The granite block abutments were hand carved by Italian stonemasons in the late 1800’s for the Boston and Maine Railroad. After over 100 years, the abutments were becoming unstable. The challenging project to restore the abutments was funded with help from the local snowmobile clubs and the NH Bureau of Trails.
It took a huge crane to lift the bridge off of its abutments.
Here is a video of the Liftoff - Israel River Bridge Liftoff Video
It’s interesting to note that no bolts or fasteners hold that 65,000-pound bridge in place. The bridge slides freely on 4 small trapezoidal-shaped iron supports on each abutment. When heavy locomotives pulled heavily loaded freight-cars over the bridge, the bridge would move forward with the train, sliding an inch-and-a-half on these supports. When the train returned, the bridge would slide the other way. This feature likely caused less stress and torque on the bridge structure.
On December 15th, just in time for the winter season, the bridge was swung back over the reinforced abutments and gently and expertly placed back onto its supports.
Here is a video of the Touchdown - Israel River bridge Touchdown Video
A big thank you goes out to the crew of Northern New England Field Services for a great job for all the work - liftoff, repair and touchdown. Thanks also to the Waumbek Methna, Jefferson Highlanders and Presidential Range Riders Snowmobile Clubs along with the NH Bureau of Trails for their efforts to coordinate the repair and maintenance of the trail. We cyclists, walkers, runners, equestrians and XC skiers are fortunate to have the Presidential Range Rail Trail to enjoy year-round due to the efforts of these organizations.
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