At the 2007 Annual Homeowners’ meeting, Morina Dustin reported that 2005 and 2006 bridge inspections resulted in recommendations for significant repairs. A repair estimate of $310,687 was received from General Construction, but more information is needed to procure accurate bids - engineering details, geophysical data, and materials and repair techniques acceptable to the local, state, and federal permitting agencies. She noted that the Board of Trustees is working with consulting engineers to move this project forward. Also, that a marine structural engineer advised that, given the age of the bridge, the Club can expect the need for significant repairs approximately every five years.
Members shared many comments and questions regarding both short and long term plans for the bridge. Concerns were voiced regarding the cost of extensive repair projects that will be needed to keep the bridge safe and how these cumulative costs would compare to building a new bridge. Homeowners requested a financial feasibility study and the board has been working on this project.
The Club has contracted with Art Anderson Associates, marine structural engineers, for an existing structural assessment and the development of three repair and planning concepts for the bridge. They will compare the cost effectiveness of:
1. Continuing to replace deteriorating components to maintain the configuration of the existing bridge;
2. Modifying the existing bridge design and replacing the foundation progressively over the course of several years with steel or concrete.
3. Replacing the entire bridge.
The completion date projected for this financial feasibility study is mid February.
If extensive replacement projects will be pursued in the near future, whether it be replacing the foundation in increments or replacing the entire structure, repairs would be performed now to maintain the safety of the bridge in the interim. Art Anderson’s $20,000 contract does not include engineering design for construction.
The Club has also contracted with GeoEngineers (on a time and material basis) for biological and geotechnical engineering services to support the efforts of the structural engineer. The Scope of Work includes both field and office work.
Biological work includes a shoreline study to identify habitat and environmental issues relative to upgrades and improvements to the bridge. They will provide a written Biological Evaluation needed for in-water work, such as piling repair or replacement. They will prepare the Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application and follow up with local, state, and federal permitting agencies to determine and complete additional required applications.
A Geotechnical Evaluation will determine bridge foundation support options, how deep pilings need to be driven, and what piling type should be used. Boring for subsurface soil samples was completed last month and the evaluation report is forthcoming. This geotechnical analysis will serve for all current and future bridge repair and/or replacement work.
GeoEngineers will also be providing the Club with information regarding funding sources that may be available to assist with the replacement of creosote timbers (based on improving the marine environment).
Although the bridge is still in good working condition, we need to be mindful that weight limits MUST be adhered to and it is the property owners’ responsibility to make sure their contractors are notified and abide by these requirements.
Board of Trustees
January, 2008