St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-11-16

walks on each side 10 feet wide in the clear.
The amount TO be expended for this pur-
pose being limited 10 $500, 600, II has been
my aim in preparing these plans to provide
that the present urgent demands for better
accommodations for crossing the river can
be provided without exceeding in cost the
sum applicable TO the purpose, and also 10 so
arrange work that when il becomes neces-
sary 10 reconstruct the superstructure, the
foundations and piers will be strong enough
and so constructed as TO admit OF rebuilding
in accordaLc e with the plans submitted. To
carry out this idea, the foundations and
piers should be built up 10 point or 5
feet above high water mark, and the main
piers supporting the channel span carried
up TO their full height. On
this foundation can be erected either
a wood or a combination wood and iron
bridge Of the same capacity as the present
Wabashaw street bridge, which would cost,
including foundations, not 10 exceed the
sum specified-S200, 600.
The important question, as II seems 10 me
is, shall the foundations be constructed in
this manner, capable of carrying a large
bridge, and, for the sake Of economy, the
superstructure be made of wood, so as 10
keep within the limits OF cost, or, shall a
smaller bridge be planned which can be
built entirely Of iron and will be permanent,
but with the disadvantage that 1t cannot be
enlarged as now appears 10 me must he
necessary within a very short time. III the
river were narrower and the question of OBJ
structIon TO navigation less important the
lighter but permanent structure might be adj
visable. But taking all things into eonsid-
eration-the great length OF the bridge-the
fact that the lighter bridge would be fully as
great an obstruction to navigation
as the plan proposed, also
that unless the hopes and expectations in re-
gard TO the future growth aud prosperity of
the city are without foundation, another
bridge would in a short time unnecessary,
making an additional and uncalled for
obstruction TO navigation, resulting In two
small bridges the combined capacity Of which
would be less than that of the proposed strue-
ture. Another great advantage 10 be gained
by the wider bridge win be the saving Of time
required IN crossing the river. With suf-
lcient width TO allow the passage OF four
teams, it would be safe for Sight teams to
pass the heavily loaded and very slow
freighting teams which are now 4 constant
obstruction on the Wsbashaw street bridge
and the cause of many accidents, the results
of attempts to pass
In view of the present price OF al material
necessary in this work-iron being only a
little over half the price OF most of the iron
used in bridges previously constructea-lum-
Der being very low as compared with the
prices of the past, and masonry, owing
to the large amount of work done
in the last year or two IN the
city and also throughout the state, resulting
in the opening of many new quarries and
developing those previously opened, can be
obtained al a considerable saving as com
pared with work of like character heretofore
contracted, every effort should be made to-
ward obtaining the necessary legislation 10
authorize a further issue Of bonds sufficient
in amount to complete the bridge In accord
ance with the plans submitted.
In letting a contract for The substructure
at the present time il would only be neces
sary 10 provide that the work can be stopped
when the piers are carried TO sufficient
height to receive the temporary structure IL
il is found inexpedient 70 issue the addi-
tional bonds necessary 10 fully complete the
work. In this way there viii be no danger
ofour doing any unnecessary work OF OF do
ing so much work as 10 be unable TO COM
pete the lighter structure if il is found nee
essary 70 finish the bridge in this manner
/ find that the piers can be fully completed.
the permanent iron trusses erected
thereon, aud then by the use of a wooden
floor system in place Of the iron joists aud
cedar block paving. and by the construction
of the approaches at either end of the bridge
OF wood in place OF iron, as contemplated In
the completed structure, that the cost win
not exceed $3.50. 900, being only $3.50. 600
more than the amount now authorized
Respectfully submitted,
w. A. soNERs, City Engineer.
Peoples Meeting Saturday 1sghr.