As printed in the Fall 2000 GreenSpace, the newsletter of the New York Parks and Conservation Association

Big (and I mean BIG) bridge project completed by Ontario Pathways volunteers

        It may not be as big a project as Boston's "Big Dig" but to 34 Ontario Pathways volunteers, re-decking a 300-foot-long bridge perched 40 feet above a creek was a big undertaking. The bridge, originally built in 1850 by the Northern Central Railroad and located in Stanley, N.Y. is supported by three massive limestone piers. 

      Volunteer project engineer Gary Delduca oversaw the effort, which involved pre-assembling 23 12-foot sections and directing three teams of volunteers in hauling, lifting, and securing the sections into place. Each 12-foot section was cut and pre-assembled by Matthews Building Movers in Rochester. Delduca and fellow volunteer Greg Russell spent many hours preparing the bridge by replacing or reinforcing one third of the bridge timbers and building "runners" or "skids" over which the bridge sections could be guided. 

       Finally, in July, the first team of volunteers drilled and aligned the railings and loaded them onto a truck. The sections were then delivered one at a time to the north end of the bridge. The second team unloaded the sections and attached the railings, then loaded them onto the skids. A cable attached to a  jeep on the south side towed the sections into place, where they were secured by the third team of volunteers.

        Although planning took several months, the bridge was built in only seven hours. The total cost for the bridge was $12,000. The Canandaigua Rotary, Canandaigua National Bank, Eastern Mountain Sports and several private individuals donated money. In addition, Ontario Pathways held several fundraising events, including a Pumpkin Walk and Holiday Sale. Membership income made up the difference.

       Approximately 17 miles of Ontario Pathways Rail-Trail are open, with another six miles planned.

GreenSpace excerpt used with permission from the New York Parks and Conservation Association.

Check the Pictures section for some great photos of this bridge.