Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Bridge Milestone
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
We reached dry land. Now when you look down while laying deck boards there is grass beneath, not water. Just 60' of the 273 to go; 40' of steel bridge left and 20' wood. It's hot. The ties measured 138 degrees and the new deck surface 108.
Another view
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
So
Mark Mandell - Gone Round in New Jersey
You won't be barefootin' for a few months, eh? 
Re: Bridge Milestone
William Duffield
I think on a day like that, I'd choose to use the old suspension bridge. It's in the shade. 
How long has it been since the Railroad stopped trimming trees directly over the rail bed? Do you plan to keep trimming them back or letting them grow out and provide more natural shade over the bridge?
I see you've set up an E-Z Up. I guess that's for keeping tools and water cool and taking breaks with a bit of relief from the sun?
You're making great progress. It's an endeavor to be proud of. Is there a trail system map that the public can reference?
Re: Bridge Milestone
johannaj
Bill, that's an awesome project! I'm glad it's yours, not mine
Re: Bridge Milestone
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
How long has it been since the Railroad stopped trimming trees directly over the rail bed? before 1983,
Do you plan to keep trimming them back or letting them grow out and provide more natural shade over the bridge? That would be a hell of a tree to shade a 273' bridge. Trees are removed so that bridges are as sunny as possible to promote drying. A wood bridge that stays wet does not have a long life.
The tent has the saw under it. Beyond the north end is under a damp canopy and much cooler.
Is there a trail system map that the public can reference? Yes, Mendota Trail
Re: Another view
Wiley Horne
Hi Bill,
Again, wonderful job—not only the Sunnyside crossing, all of them!
This photo makes the old bridge inviting too! It’s been there long enough that it must be well above high water. The water is placid—are we looking at backwater from a lake on the mainstem Holston R.?
Wiley
Placid!
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
A few years ago water reached the bottom of the suspension bridge. Only the sheltering of the steel bridge prevented it from being destroyed. Three down stream were lost. It is the North Fork of the Holston River, not damed as are the other forks.
Re: Placid!
Wiley Horne
Got it. Maybe I’m reading the water wrong, but don’t see a ripple anywhere, maybe it’s deep!
Bill, this Trail Bridge is crying out for some sort of portal or entrance feature. Maybe we need to take up a collection .
Wiley
Re: Another view
Mark Hennebury
That's a great job that you are doing, It must be nice to see the end in sight, especially in this heat. Stay safe.
Re: Bridge Milestone
walta
Does each bridge have a know load rating?
I see the maintenance guys crossing my local trail bridges on tractors and 1 ton trucks every day or two.
But the ambulance would not and walked 200 yard. if there was a placard maybe they could have gotten to the injured person sooner. It was not life or death that day but could be someday.
Is it a too big a risk to put a number on the old structures?
Walta
It's hot
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
108 degrees on the completed bridge deck this afternoon.
Re: Bridge Milestone
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
The bridges are being restored to accommodate light vehicle traffic. I have seen the pounds per square foot but don't recall the number. The local EMT has purchased a 4-wheeler for retrieving bikers in need.
Re: Bridge Milestone
John McGaw
Guess I missed it but I'm still in the dark about where your project bridge is. Or maybe I did know and those neurons dried up and fell out of my ear.
South West VA
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
one end in Bristol, VA and it heads north