Evening star., 1899-03-11
ICE STOPPED DREDGING
Col Allen Reports on the Improvement Of
the Potomac.
Cold Weather During February
Blocked Operations for Greater
Part of the Month.

In his last report to the chief of engi-
neers, Col Allen, the engineer officer In
charge of the Improvement OF the Potomac
river, says that dredging operations by
Contractor A. NJ. Clegg were in progress
on the 1st of February, but could be con-
tinued only few days when they were IN
terrupted by ice. On the 9Th ultimo an
effort was made to resume dredging, but
after working an hour the pump gave out.
Very cold weather followed, and the river
was completely frozen over aud closed to
navigation. The dredge was taken off the
work and removed to the sewer canal Tor
safety. The unusually cold weather con-
tinued with frequent snow storms, culmi-
mating in the storm of February 12-13 the
total snowfall amounting to three feet,
while the thickness of the ice ranged from
six to ten inches. The river remained clos
ed until February 10. when the ice be-
tween the Long bridge and the Aqueduct
bridge was broken up by tugs employed by
the Commissioners of the District of CO.
lumbia under special appropriation OF
Congress.
This work was continued until February
81, when, the ice gradually moving out, the
channel was clear between the two bridges.
February % the ice above the Aqueduct
bridge was broken up by two tugs employ
ed by Col. Allen in order to prevent injury
to the cofferdam at pier No. of the Aque-
duct bridge. This ice passed out with a
strong current which then commenced, and
was followed by the up-river ice, which ran
for about two days following.
Col Allen says a strong current continued
to the end of the month, but there was no
freshet. while the highest stage of water
reached was lower than is frequently at
tanned throughout the year after heavy
rains 1t is expected that dredging opera
tions IN the Virginia channel will be re-
sumed during the present month.
Work Remaining to Be Done.
The work required to complete the ap-
proved project is as follows: The dredging
of the Virginia channel and the raising of
the remainder of the reclaimed area to the
required heights; the dredging of the tidal
reservoir; the completion of the sea wall
in the reservoir and raising a portion Of
the wall along the Washington channel;
the construction of the reservoir inlet gates
and the completion of the training dixie on
the right of the Virginia channel above the
Long bridge.
In a special report in regard to the repair
of the AqueduCt bridge Col Allen says that
the danger from ice in the river having
been averted by the employment of tugs
already stated, arrangements were made
for the erection of the trestle towers at
pier No. f. After taking down the towers
evidences were found of unsoundness in
the lower ends of some of the posts and in
the slls on which they rested. 1t was,
therefore. deemed advisable to use new
timber for the posts and sills in the re-
erection of the towers and this will be pro-
vided The specifications for the recon-
struction of the pier were approved by the
engineer department February and are
being printed. AS the removal of the
trestle towers temporarily affected the con-
ditions set forth in the specifica tions issue
of the specifications will necessarily be de-
ferred until these towers are restored. Dur
ing the present month the trestle towers of
the false work will be rebuilt and the ad-
vertisement and specifications issued