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Photo Derek Burritt
Kevin McHugh of Environmental Engineers presents preliminary design plans to the Wellfleet Historical Commission at its regular meeting Wednesday afternoon. |
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Plans emerge for Uncle Tim’s Bridge
Banner Daily Update posted Thurs. June 7
By Derek Burritt
Banner Staff
WELLFLEET—Uncle Tim’s Bridge—the beloved landmark that spans Duck Creek from Commercial Street to Pine Point Road—will soon take a step into the modern century while retaining the charming old-world character that has become so distinct and dear to Wellfleet residents and visitors.
When Kevin McHugh of Environmental Partners engineering firm held an audience with the Wellfleet Historical Commission Wednesday at the public library, it was evident by the group’s enthusiastic reception that his presence was long overdue. The 274-foot bridge in question, which severely lacks historical records accounting for its creation, is estimated to have been built around the early 1900s, based on photographs in which it appears. Over the years since then, it’s only received minor patchwork repairs from the Department of Public Works. A previous engineering study done by Lin Associates concluded the bridge was in “poor to serious condition” and its recommendation was for an “immediate” rehabilitation program. That was in 2003. At Town Meeting a year later, voters rejected an article requesting $300,000 for the restoration project. At last fall’s Special Town Meeting, an article spearheaded by historical commission member Tracy Vanderschmidt asked for a more modest $107,000 from Community Preservation Act funds for the project, and voters approved.
At the Wednesday meeting, historical commission member Janet Erickson presented McHugh with a 1976 photograph of the bridge to model his design after. Plans call for the existing bridge to be demolished and rebuilt. While guiding McHugh towards its vision of the new structure, the commission meticulously went over every detail to ensure the look of the bridge would be unaltered. However, unless you remember the walkway from as early as 1976, as member Ashley Fawkes-Sylver does, you may be surprised at what it will actually look like when restored to its former glory.
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Jun 7th, 2007