Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-07-31
INSPECTORS REPORT ON
THE KENNEBEC BRIDGE

Saws Structure Not strong enough
Public Utilities Commission Or
ders Hearing on Report Aug. 20 at
Office of Commission at State
House
Mavor Willis z. Swift Of Augusta last
spring had brought to his attention the
matter Of an investigation of the cond!-
ton of the bridge across the kennehec
river at this city as precautionary
measure 1t was not thought that any
serious defect existed in the bridge. put
il was and is doing a large amount OF
exceedingly heavy work and 1t was
thought wise to see il it was being over
burdened or if it l.eeded attention of any
kind.
Mayor Swift accordingly brought the
matter to the attention OF the Pubic
Utilities Commission and asked FOR
whatever action the commission thought
best A public hearing was held at the
office of the commis sion, which soon
after ordered thorough inspection OF
the bridge by the commissions bridge
expert. Engineer Vim. II. Black, and
report of his findings. Engineer Black
has made that inspection and has re-
ported his findings as follows to the
comm ission. which has forwarded a
COPY to Mayor Swift, as follows:
July 18th, 1915.
Maine Public Utilities Commission.
Augusta. Maine.
Hon 3 F. Cleaves, chairman.
Gentlemen: In accordance with your
verbal instructions / have examined the
highway bridge across the Kennebec
river in the city Of Augusta, which IS
owned by the city and used jointly by
the Lewiston, Augusta G. Waterville
street Railway for it's freight and pas
senger traffic over the Augusta. Water
vile and Togus divisions.
This bridge was built in 1890 and is
wrought iron. pin connected truss
bridge Of three spans having a total
length Of about 40 feet. The long cen
ter span IS OF an obsolete type Of CON
struction. a type which has been aban-
doned because Of the difficulty of deter
mining the value of the various mem
bers that make up the truss
After a careful examination and thor
ough study of this structure am Of the
opinion that it Is Of insufficient strength
to carry the loads that are likely to be
put upon II by the combined highway
and street railway traffic.
The continued use Of the bridge by the
street railway should be permitted only
provided the following changes are
made and the limiting Of load condi-
tons stated below carefully adhered to:
The telephone and electric wires
should be removed from the top Of the
trusses
The trotting OF horses on the bridge
should be prohibited
during the winter months snow
should not he allowed TO accumulate on
the highway or sidewalks
NO freight car should be allowed to
enter upon or cross the bridge while IL
Is being used by the highway traffic.
10 car should ne allowed to enter
upon or cross the bridge while another
car is upon it,
No car with load exceeding 30 tons
in weight equally distributed on eight
wheels should be allowed to enter upon
or cross the bridge at any time
The maximum train permitted on the
'Nee Siiou!d consist OF one motor car, |
without load. weighing q tons. and one |
freight car which with load weighs 80 |
tons equally distributed on eight wheels. !
me speed Of operation Of cars across |
me bridge should never exceed eigh, |.
miles per hour.
Respectfully submitted.
WM NJ BLACK. 4
Bridge Inspector.
Gas been ordered on the
report 70 pc held at 1870 A. N.
-, tuesday, Aug q. at the ONCE of the
-oHIhlsslon at the Stste uors>