Our photo of the week story today has been a long time in coming to fruition—literally years! While today’s story is relegated to one small location along the Historic Morris Canal Greenway as it meanders across Warren County, it is an important major physical achievement that finally overcame what was, for many, a hike/walk-stopping physical barrier. 

The barrier in question? A wide, watery, steep and deep breach in the towpath, located between Bilby Road and Waterloo Road! From now on, what was once a serious impediment is going to be an easy and safe stroll across a well-built, wide bridge with high, safe sides, turning a physical impediment into a viewshed amid the beautiful and interesting journey along the towpath.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: THANK YOU

THANK YOU WARREN COUNTY BRIDGE DEPARTMENT!

I am going to quote Corey Tierney, Director of the Warren County Land Preservation Department, from a tag he posted on Facebook on Friday afternoon, after this bridge was moved into position: “Just another day in the office! Our bridge crew did an amazing job assembling, rigging, and pulling a 60’ long trail bridge across a breach today. Looking forward to seeing park visitors being able to cross it soon.” Ladies and gentlemen, this was no small project! 

My on-site report: 

FIRST, as you can see, there was a lot of work involved in the assembly of this bridge kit!

SECOND, the work site depicted in the photos is about a half mile in along the trail from Bilby Road. No easy way getting it in! 

THIRD, the sliding of a 60-foot long, heavy bridge from one side of the breach to the other side required some intricate initial planning and rigging!

THEN, choreographing just the right amount of all-around, in-sync activities by simultaneously coordinating the (1) pushing and lifting from the big backhoe on one side of the breach while (2) clearing obstructions along the ground, which would not let the bridge slide easily and evenly!

On the other side of the breach, (3) the block and tackle pulley was constantly being adjusted, maintaining proper height of the bridge’s end as it crossed over the breach as (4) a tractor was used to pull the bridge! 

NOTE: Each of these numbers, represents a singular effort being manipulated by a various number of individuals! Each number had to be in-sync with the others AND every individual had to be ALWAYS aware of their surroundings, the movements and non-movement of the bridge, and keep a constant eye out for any safety concerns for himself and/or fellow workers!

I hope my report did justice in emphasizing Corey’s earlier words, “Our bridge crew did an amazing job assembling, rigging and pulling a 60’ long trail bridge across a breach today.” YES THEY DID!

***THANK YOU, AGAIN, WARREN COUNTY BRIDGE DEPARTMENT!!!***

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Over the last few years, the Warren County Trail Committee, The Warren County Board of Recreation and the Warren County Parks Foundation have been closely following progress reports from the county’s Land Preservation and Planning Departments concerning the ever-changing status of this important bridge project in Independence Township.  (NOTE: From Bilby Road, heading east, the first part of your journey is on Warren County land and then you cross into State Park Property; the bridge site is state property.) 

QUESTION:  Why such a long time? 

LONG STORY SHORT ANSWER:  1. Permitting issues on wetlands for the (at-that-time) mandated design of the original bridge, which had pilings going into the ground. 2. Availability of grant money for the bridge.  3. Various unforeseen changes requiring modifications and then resubmittals, etc., etc., etc.! 

After all these changes and all this time constantly looking for solutions, out of the blue they found a bridge kit without pilings that would be accepted by N.J. DEP and would still be covered by the Trail Grant, (a trail grant that would be expiring soon), which finally got us to where we are now! 

PHEW!! SORRY!! That was actually a LONG, if you will, SHORT ANSWER! 

On a positive note, this bridge kit was actually less expensive!

OK, still with me? There was now only one other challenge!  How do we ASSEMBLE and INSTALL while meeting the grant deadlines?!

NOTE #1:  We are talking about Warren County, New Jersey, which is committed to protecting and preserving our recreational, historical and cultural treasures all amid our beautiful open space!!**

NOTE #2: Warren County’s network BEGAN NETWORKING—the freeholders, Department of Land Preservation, Planning Department, Board of Recreation, Morris Canal Trail Committee, Warren County Parks Foundation (hope I didn’t omit anyone!) and then we got the word that the Bridge Department would help us out! WOW!

Last Monday, Dec. 7, I met with Elizabeth Roy, from the Land Preservation Department, to check out the site.  We observed one of six sections of the bridge and also noted the bridge foundations on both sides of the breach to anchor the bridge. 

Last Friday, Dec. 11, was the day the assembled bridge would be moved into its final position spanning the breach. On site, 9 a.m., chilly start, about 25 degrees, but a beautiful clear day. The Bridge Department started work, with representatives from many other departments, as well, all happy to see this long-time-in-coming project actually becoming a reality!

***IMPORTANT NOTE*** 

This is not finished yet!!  Deck plates must be attached, along with anchoring the bridge to its foundation! This should happen this week, weather permitting! The area is closed with fencing around both sides of the bridge!

IN PERSPECTIVE

Three words, ‘trail bridge installation,’ plus photos would give you the basic info about this particular event!!  However, all the other words, WHILE LENGTHY, were necessary to drive home an important point, which reflects a basic reality required in almost ALL these Open Space projects (no matter whose project it is)! There are going to be TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS by many individuals and organizations! Long periods of time planning, coordinating, following rules and regulations and getting funding!!  That is just the world we live in! 

PLEASE keep that in mind as you enjoy your journeys amid our beautiful Open Spaces, celebrating our HISTORICAL, NATURAL, EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL SITES!!

There are several things YOU can do to be part of this Story!!  BE THANKFUL!!  BE SUPPORTIVE & SPREAD THE WORD!!  Why not join a group as a volunteer??  How about making a donation??

Funding for this project was provided by a New Jersey Recreational Trails Grant.  This grant program is administered by the Green Acres Program and projects are reviewed by the New Jersey Trails Council.  The Council is made up of trail advocates spanning a range of user groups – hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorized trail use and canoeing/kayaking – as well as several general trail advocates and state government representatives.  The goal of the Trails Program to achieve a network of trails that provide for outdoor recreation and an appreciation of the outdoor, natural and remote areas of New Jersey.

See more pictures of Warren County’s natural beauty on flickr.

ENJOY YOUR OPEN SPACE

Charlie Fineran

Charlie Fineran is Allamuchy’s Director of Open Space, Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission Chairman and Allamuchy Historical Society President.