Scott Swanson
Of The New Era
Weddle Bridge, in Sankey Park, has been closed to pedestrians and to vehicle traffic until further notice.
City officials decided to close the bridge last week after a consulting bridge engineer determined that the structure itself needs repair.
In August it was determined that the bridge needs a new roof. The current roof, of pine shingles, was put on when the bridge was moved to Sankey Park 15 years ago. Many shingles are missing and sunlight and rain stream in.
The Weddle Bridge originally spanned Thomas Creek near Scio. It was bypassed in 1980 by a concrete bridge and neglected. The deteriorated bridge eventually became a safety issue and the span was disassembled in October 1987.
In 1989, Sweet Home residents rallied together to rebuild the Weddle Bridge across Ames Creek. Since the projectí’ completion, the bridge has been the site for numerous weddings and community events.
The engineer was called in to make a final check of the bridge before a new cedar shake roof was put on.
He determined that one upper main support beam has extensive dry rot and the lower deck has structural problems, said City Manager Craig Martin.
“When the bridge was moved, recommendations were made that haven’t been addressed,” Martin said.
He said the structural problems could prove to be a danger in windy weather particularly, hence the decision to bar all traffic over the structure.
“We decided we wanted to be on the safe side,” Martin said.
The bridge also needs paint.
A meeting will be held in early October to determine what should be done. Anyone interested in the issue, or who has ideas of how to fix the bridge, should contact city Community Development Director Carol Lewis at 367-8113.
Meanwhile, the Sweet Home Economic Development Group (SHEDG) Board of Directors voted unanimously on Sept. 21 to match all cash contributions up to a total of $20,000 made on or before Oct. 31, 2005 towards the Weddle Covered Bridge repair project.
“We believe this is a very worthwhile project,” said Sweet Home Economic Development Group Vice-President Kevin Strong. “The Weddle Covered Bridge has become a Linn County landmark. It draws visitors to our area and it serves as a scenic backdrop for the Oregon Jamboree.”
Tax-deductible contributions to the bridge project may be sent to The President’s Club/Save the Weddle Bridge Committee, 1394 Poplar St., Sweet Home, OR 97386.
For more information about the bridge repair effort, contact Karla Burcham, of the Save the Weddle Bridge Committee, at 367-4384.