Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-05
IT'S ALL RIGHT.
Augusta Electric Road Can
Cross Bridge in Safety.
Engineer Cheney, Who Drafted Bridge,
Suggests but Few Changes.
Most Gratifying Report Made After
Due Investigation.

Engineer Cheney of Boston, was in
conference with the Winslow commit
tee and the one appointed by the city
government in regard to the Ticonic
bridge, most of the forenoon, Satur-
day. The result of the conference was
very pleasing to the friends of the road,
as it seems that an easy solution OF
the problem of how to allow the cars
to cross without endangering the trav-
cling public has been found.
In the first place Mr.. Cheney states
that the bridge is an extra heavy and
capable one, thus going contrary to
general opinion at the very start, as
a good many, if not the majority, have
believed that the bridge was built sim
ply to accommodate the traffic and
nothing more. The ordinary highway
bridge is built sufficiently strong to ac-
commodate 70 to so pounds per square
foot. while the Ticonic was built for
100 pounds per square foot. 1t is of
the heaviest construction to be found
anywhere and in strength per square
foot is equal TO the Augusta bridge
of that across the Sebasticook, which
has Just been completed by the town
of Winslow. In short, the bridge is
unusually strong, substantial and ca
pable.
In the second place the bridge is now
in first-class condition. Mr.. Cheney
was well pleased with the conditions
he found. He naturally takes good
deal of interest in the structure, as it
is one of his f'children.' having
planned it more than 20 years ago.
Some of the stringers of hard pine
are as sound and strong now as they
were when put in position IS years
ago. Some of these have of course
been exposed to an unusual degree for
some reason or another and have been
replaced but as rule they are in eX-
cellent condition.
The iron work was also found to be
in first-class condition. 1t has been
kept thoroughly painted and has prac-
tically not deteriorated any. Mr..
Cheney declares that the bridge is as
capable now as it was when construct
ed. The style of construction makes
it timber and sensitive to vibration
but this is no indication of weakness
as it is one of the peculiarities of the
style, the give" being allowed on ac-
count of the contraction and expansion
caused by varying temperature.
So. then, ii seems beyond a reason
able doubt that the bridge is fully ca
pable of carrying the electrics with
out any danger. But this has not been
generally or seriously doubted the
great question being that of room. Mr..
Cheney has plan for overcoming this
obstacle at a comparatively small cost.
He can arrange things so that the cars
can cross on the north side. one-half
over the road and one-half over the
sidewalk. He can put in stringers and
additional supports so that this can be
done with perfect safety. Another way
for getting greater width is to move
the spans on the piers, but this would
be a very expensive job, and is not
considered practical in the present in
stance. But the plan of widening from
top is considered feasible and not too
expensive.
According to Mr.. Cheney's plans a
roadway of Is feet, 6 inches, would be
secured in the place of the present IS
feet. loss of only 21a feet, while the
sidewalks can remain as wide as they
are at present. One-half of the cars
will extend over the walk. but when
for person to stand in safety while
the car is passing and after it is gone
there will be as much room as ever.
Mr.. Cheney could give no estimate
of what the cost of his plan would
be. not even rough one. But he
will figure this out and report within
a few days. AS already stated, it is
believed that this will be comparatively
small. Mr.. Cheney himself of course
could not go under the bridge and
crawl around through the iron work, |
but this part of the work will be done
by another engineer later, in order to
discover if any strengthening outside |
of the widening will be needed. From |
what could be seen, Saturday, 1t is |
not believed that much of this kind of !
work will be necessary.
The report of Mr.. Cheney was graf
flying to the friends of the railroad, |