bridging history
TRANSCRIPT
Why Does PEC Care About Historic Bridges?
• Character and sense of place• Preserving our history• Connects people to the road and its history• Connects people to the surrounding landscape• Supports heritage, agricultural, and eco tourism
Photo by Daniel McFarland
Local Planning
• Inclusion of a bridge section in the localities comprehensive plan
Fauquier County – Draft Appendix III in the Transportation Chapter
Local Planning
• Establishing historic districts, scenic byways, and plans to maintain rustic rural roads
Fauquier County – Draft Appendix IV in the Transportation Chapter
Local Planning
• Establishing historic districts, scenic byways, and plans to maintain rustic rural roads
Fauquier County – Draft Appendix IV in the Transportation Chapter
2014 General Assembly, “whenever
practicable, to maintain rural gravel
roads in traditional alignment, surface
treatment, and width; and protect banks,
stone walls, and roadside trees in all
rural, agricultural and historic areas.”
Local Research and Recordation
• Research, inventorying, and recording information about the structure and connections with historical figures and events.
VDHR’s Database
Local Research and Recordation
• Research, inventorying, and recording information about the structure and connections with historical figures and events.
VDHR’s Database
Need One Comprehensive and Publically Accessible State Inventory
• Federal Highway Administration –National Bridge Inventory
• Virginia Department of Transportation –Bridges and Large Culvert Conditions
• Virginia Transportation Research Council –Surveys of Metal Truss Bridges and Masonry and Concrete Arch Bridges
• Virginia Department of Historic Resources –VCRIS database of historic resources
Why?
• Normal aging and wear and tear
• Poor maintenance and repair
• Too many being disregarded as typical examples
Poor Maintenance and Repair
Waterloo Bridge had needed the same 18 repairs since at least 2004 until the bridge finally closed in 2014.
Remington Bridge has a number of needed repairs and has been slated for replacement/rehabilitation since 2010.
Photo by Joe Martin
Poor Maintenance and Repair
• Bridges bypassed and left in place are no longer inspected or maintained.
Falling Creek Bridge, Chesterfield County
Pembroke Bridge, Giles County
Photo by Mapmikey
Photo by Phil Riggan/Times-Dispatch
Poor Maintenance and Repair
• Bridges closed to traffic but left open to pedestrians are not maintained and often further deteriorate until complete closure.
Clarkton Bridge, Charlotte County Goose Creek Bridge, Loudoun County
Photo by The Clarkton Bridge Alliance Photo by Daniel McFarland
Disregarded as Typical
• Common examples of the time period in which they were built…
Aldie Mill, Photo by NOVA Parks
Photo from St. James Episcopal Church Leesburg, VA
Integrity
• Engineering integrity vs. historical integrity
SEVEN ASPECTS OF INTEGRITY
•Location
•Design
•Setting
•Materials
•Workmanship
•Feeling
•Association
Photo by William E. Stark
No Allocated Funding Source
VDOT Sources Available:
• Surface Transportation Program (STP)
• State of Good Repair (SGR)
• Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program (HBRRP)
• Smart Scale Project
• Transportation Alternatives Fund
• Revenue Share Project
How to Preserve Historic Bridges
1) Get to know the bridges in your area2) Find out if bridge is listed on (or eligible for) the
National Register of Historic Places3) Determine who owns the bridge4) Understand what procedures a bridge project must
follow5) School Yourself in the Federal Process6) Work Directly with the Owner7) Seek Out and Organize Community Support8) Support Appropriate Preservation Solutions9) Seek a New Bridge Owner if Needed10) Develop a Fundraising Strategy
From National Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Bridge Foundation
What Can You Do?
• Share pictures and any documentation you have about the structures with local preservationist, HistoricBridge.org, and PEC
What Can You Do?
• Write your representatives about needs for better maintenance and allocated funding
What Can You Do?
• Donate to organizations advocating for these structures like HistoricBridge.org, PEC, and Preservation Virginia
Questions?
Julie BolthouseFauquier Land Use Representative
Piedmont Environmental Councilwww.pecva.org45 Horner St.Warrenton, VA 20186540-347-2334 ext. 7042