Two become one: After fitting the two pieces together, the crane lifts the bridge from the Camden Park site to its designated location across the channel.
If you were driving along Wilcrest Drive just north of Richmond on Thursday afternoon, February 29, chances are you witnessed an intriguing sight – a massive bridge being hoisted into the air by a crane.
From Start to Finish
This newly installed bridge now spans the drainage channel between Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library and Camden Park. The bridge was crafted by Contech Engineered Solutions LLC, a company based in Sealy, Texas known for its expertise in prefabricated bridges. The structure is made from weathering steel and Ipe wood sourced from Central and South America. Ipe wood, renowned for its durability and resistance to various elements, ensures the longevity of the bridge with minimal maintenance.
The installation process, overseen by D.L. Meacham Construction, involved meticulous planning and execution. “We had to construct a temporary road on-site for a 500-ton crane,” explained Jamie DeForest, Senior Project Manager at D.L. Meacham. “Once the crane was in position, we carefully offloaded the bridge in two sections, assembling it swiftly before lifting and placing it onto its designated bases.”
Preparation for the installation included precise measurements and pouring concrete bases with bolts on each side of the channel. With careful coordination, the crane lowered the bridge into place, fitting seamlessly onto the bases while crews secured it with bolts.
New connectivity: This aerial view shows Library Loop Trail access on the right side of the channel, while on the left side, a new section of trail is visible, which will connect pedestrians to the new park.
Increased Connectivity
Irma Sanchez, president and CEO of Westchase District, emphasized the bridge’s significance in enhancing connectivity within the community. “The addition of the bridge improves overall accessibility to Camden Park and complements various ongoing projects,” Sanchez noted. “Visitors utilizing the newly constructed trail linking HCC Campus Trail to Library Loop Trail can now safely cross Wilcrest Drive using the new midblock crossing and access the park directly. Furthermore, those approaching from Walnut Bend Lane can enter Camden Park via the bridge on Library Loop Trail, eliminating the need to travel to the main entrance on Wilcrest.”
To ensure inclusivity, the bridge entrance is designed with both ramp and stair access from Library Loop Trail, with additional trail sections facilitating smooth navigation around the bridge for pedestrians and joggers.
For a firsthand view of the installation process, watch the drone video by scanning this QR code.