|
Post by richcheese on Jul 23, 2007 21:23:12 GMT -5
The most recent plans to install the bridge last weekend were postponed to +/- 3 weeks later. I'll post the new date(s) as they are scheduled. The postponement was due to a combination of items: heavy area rains1, a plan to level out the abutments and to allow time to consider possibly increasing the abutments' height.
The bridge has been delivered to the Park Service Area.
Note: The trails leading to the bridge from either side will be closed to all traffic (including the super-cool ultra and trail runners ;D) during construction. This period will start shortly before the actual installation (when we'll be building the temporary support structure), continue during the installation, and end after the bridge is fully completed.
I'll post an installation notice to keep everyone posted. There should be signs posted in the area also. Plan your (long) runs accordingly!
1 We've got to be able to stand in the creek to build the temporary support structure without being washed away!
|
|
|
Post by surftrip on Jul 24, 2007 10:37:39 GMT -5
In terms of the actual trail, where exactly is this area?
Is it John's Ward Creek? (as noted on the little Kennesaw trail map available via the web)
Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by richcheese on Jul 25, 2007 9:36:29 GMT -5
The bridge is over John Ward Creek. The current bridge is two telephone poles laid across the gap with a 4 to 5 foot wide wooden deck and no hand rails. The bridge is about 5 feet above the creek when the creek is about 1 foot deep. Some horseback riders prefer to go across the creek-bed instead of risk a fall. The new 60 ft bridge is fiberglass with a 6 foot wide wooden deck. It has high rails on both sides. Much safer for horses and certainly able to carry the load.
|
|
|
Post by GUTS Admin on Jul 25, 2007 10:48:50 GMT -5
On the east trail or the west trail? I'm so confused.
|
|
|
Post by richcheese on Jul 26, 2007 7:43:50 GMT -5
To go back to my original posts: I had originally referred to the Creek as John's Creek. The correct name is John Ward Creek. Sorry about that!
It would also be clearer if my image from yesterday was (still) visible.
<Fixes image problem>
There, have a look now. The bridge is (or will be) at the west trail crossing of John Ward Creek.
The northern approach is downhill, through a (25 -50 yard long) marshy area with a boardwalk. As you continue south past the creek it opens up with a meadow on the left and about 80 yards later a pile of gravel and a pile of rock. (Bridge construction materials)
|
|
|
Post by GUTS Admin on Jul 26, 2007 7:51:34 GMT -5
this is the bridge with the long boardwalk beyond it leading into the meadow?
|
|
|
Post by Cardmaster on Jul 26, 2007 19:32:26 GMT -5
You got it now, Sarah!
|
|
|
Post by surftrip on Aug 2, 2007 19:24:09 GMT -5
ah.... after that long, steep downhill. The meadow always makes me happy. When I'm there I start getting excited about the bamboo forest up around the bend...
I'd like to help with the bridge.
|
|
|
Post by richcheese on Aug 2, 2007 20:30:36 GMT -5
The bridge installation has been rescheduled for 8:00 a.m. Saturday, August 18th with a continuation day (if needed) 8:00 a.m. Sunday, August 19th. Note: As mentioned before, the trails leading to the bridge from either side will be closed to all traffic (yes, still including the super-cool ultra and trail runners ) during construction. This period will start shortly before the actual installation (when we'll be building the temporary support structure), continue during the installation, and end only after the bridge is fully completed. If you are interested in helping out, join the Yahoo group - Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club and contact rcangeli about attending the refresher edition of the required installation training. This required training event is scheduled for Thursday, August 16th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Visitor Center. I can't guarantee that more volunteers are needed/wanted, however I do think that a few more people might still be appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by surftrip on Aug 13, 2007 15:33:45 GMT -5
{sigh}
as usual, my work schedule doesn't permit me to get to the Visitor's Center by 6:00 p.m.
I work until 7:00 p.m.
Ho hum ...life of a workin' stiff.
|
|
|
Post by richcheese on Aug 17, 2007 16:03:41 GMT -5
This "official announcement" just in (some parts are reminders):
The bridge installation is Saturday, 8/18 [start time 8:00 a.m.]. Sunday, 8/19 is only if we don’t finish on Saturday. For safety reasons, we would prefer to have folks who have attended the training doing the assembly. [NEW] However, it appears that there are several other tasks such as fetching and carrying tools and parts or steering visitors away from the site that folks may be able to help with even though the didn’t attend the training.
We are planning on having +/- 15 – 20 folks helping with the project.
If you decide to come, we have changed the plan for getting to the work site. We’re asking workers to take John Ward Road to the Overlook Subdivision and drive down to park it [in?] the back of the parking lot near the swimming pool. You can easily walk to the work site from the pool area.
We have shade, water, a portable toilet, and lunch is being provided by the Kroger’s on Powder Springs Street just past the gate to the park.
(End official announcement)
Note: The original message was sent to 200 people including the "+/- 15 – 20 folks" mentioned above. Since the idea of having any non-safety trained workers thing is new, there might be an overwhelming untrained worker response and some might have to be turned away.
If you are definitely interested dispite the late notice and the fact that you probably will not build the bridge leave me a message. I'll forward your info on to the powers that be.
Note: You'll help build the bridge without actually building the bridge. (Of course, you never know...)
P.S. I only just now received this P.P.S. I'll be there late tomorrow morning since I have a bunny to catch!
|
|
|
Post by richcheese on Aug 19, 2007 2:10:39 GMT -5
Latest "official" report: The bridge is up and nearly complete. We still have [half the] deck boards and safety rails to install; we need to finish anchoring the bridge to the footings and we need to grade the trail approaches to the bridge. If you would like to help please meet us at the Overlook Subdivision Parking lot at 9:00 AM Overlook Subdivision is on John Ward Road. <End "official" report> Hascall Dr SWThe trail is still closed. If you want to see the bridge before it is completed, you'll have to volunteer or deal with very tired, irritable volunteers. (Not recommended!) If you want to volunteer, show up at 9:00 a.m. and bring a phillips head power driver. A generator will be available for power. Otherwise the bridge should be open by early? afternoon. (No guarantees though...)
|
|