Maple Street Bridge Repairs Completed

WGN 45-06-02

 

Fairfax, February 15, 2002 - With the repairs completed the Maple Street Bridge stands straight and square. Actually straighter than it has for years.

Town historians recall that when the bridge was returned to its abutments after being washed away during the 1927 flood, "...it was replaced with its east end facing west. Because of the error, they say, the bridge seems to be leaning." This last, the historian wrote, "is disputed by some."

The north corner of the bridge no longer leans comfortably westward because as part of the repairs to the upper bracing system, the system designed to keep the bridge trusses straight and true against wind and water, the "racking," or lean, was taken out.

The northeast gable end stands square after repairs to the bridge wind-bracing and knee-braces. If the bridge appears to be leaning in the other photos in this group, blame the photographer and lens distortion.

Repairs to the broken upper chord and truss-web are evident here. The new roofers were needed because the roof had to be removed to allow replacement of the tie-beams.