Worley Bridge

One person can make a difference, and in this case, that person retired from TxDOT last year. It's too bad because while TxDOT did specify rivets in the last three projects, the next "REHABILITATION" is just that. A rehab of a very historic bridge that is next to a park and a restaurant and would get a lot of visitors. The TxDOT bridge division trio that I spoke to says that they haven't given up on the in-kind restorations, but weren't comfortable with that on this bridge. And, they have to come up with the procedures for field rivets and inspection procedures for field rivets, in order be "comfortable". That was their word.

I kept trying to get them to change the bid by an addendum or put the bridge letting back, but no. Rather than create an addendum to the bid which lets tomorrow allowing field rivets to be used if we create those procedures, like a Site Specific Erection Plan, they have chosen to make it clear that all of the riveted lattice, 70% of it, should be replaced with high tension bolts, and four years ago they didn't even make the fake rivet headed bolts. My engineer professor friend said that the high tension bolts were "stronger", but the rivets ARE STRONG ENOUGH. Not to mention that the bolts won't work on the inclined end posts repairs. The division engineer said they were going to look into that. I suggested putting the job letting back but, no. I guess it is a press release and letters to those powers that be that Workin' Bridges, for one, thinks they have made a mistake that should and could be corrected.

Now we have been doing rivets a long time, and bridge and building rivets for 150 plus years. Rivets weren't replaced because they weren't good enough, according to Nels, but because the bottom line said one guy can turn a bolt where it took a gang to do the high quality work.

Sounding rivets, an ASHTO Standard to inspect for problems has been part of the specifications for inspections according to the 2000 edition. Other procedures for process and procedure for the hot rivet process must be available somewhere, and should not need to be created again.

My question, if they are sure the previous three bridges are fine, but want to now limit the risk of a "black eye" (again, their words) then why not use the Worley Bridge in Milam County as the text book case for finalizing those standards and procedures? It is the perfect bridge for that.

Two steps forward, 10 back. Why does that happen with engineers, and states, and opinions rather than facts? Case by case, person by person, we will prevail at this battle of design engineers not interested in the knowledge that is available from other sources, including fabricators, metal smiths, professors, engineers and other passionate people about our history.

I won't love going to see this bridge with bolted lacing on the verticals. And I am glad that I have the power to speak about these issues and am not tied to a desk, not too much risk sitting there.

That is so cool. Congratulations. More than a photo op. I shall be in Texas next week, can I do some video footage of you and the bridge.

Informed the team, it is a bid number but not yet assigned a date at TxDOT.

Give me a call.

Julie

641 260 1262

I, Kit Worley just signed the temporary construction easement with MilamCo. Txdot could send out for bid in April. Could start construction as early as July. Said contractor may use large crain to pick and set In pasture to disassemble / repair to near original look and install original type wooden flooring. It will be a sight to see them pick. Photo opportunity. My Grandfather donated the property in 1911 and bridge is adjacent to the Historic Apache Pass river crossing along the El Camino Real a National Historic trail. The Apache Pass crossing is still used today by the sixth generation Worley family. Will try to keep you posted when they get ready to pick bridge. You can see more history at www.apachepass.com

Julie...the Worley Bridge is being restored by TxDOT. The design is underway right now. It's a very detailed restoration, so it takes some time to get from the design to construction, but it'll be a beautiful restoration and back in service soon!

Is this a TxDOT engineering job? Beautiful bridge, they can ALL be restored.

Design for restoration of this bridge for light vehicular use is underway. It's a very detailed engineering and restoration process though, so construction will be at least a year off. Will update as the process moves forward.

I added this bridge as its own page. The other link to this bridge has this bridge confused with the Sugarloaf Bridge, though it uses the info to this bridge. So, the other link is so misconstrued that I am going to request that it be deleted.