If you walk at Grand Forest West off of Miller Road, chances are you cross the big wooden bridge that spans 47 feet across the creek. It’s a nice looking bridge, community-built with leadership from the Bainbridge Island Trails Committee.
The bridge was taken apart today in preparation for replacing its two main support beams, which had begun to rot. According to Park Services Superintendent Dan Hamlin, he and his crew started the job this morning and found it went faster than expected, leaving only the two main beams to remove. The beams were originally created from felled trees in the forest.
The new glue-laminated beams are scheduled to arrive next Tuesday, January 15. Hamlin said the new construction should take under a week, making the whole process upwards of two weeks. He said the Park District’s goal is to stay true to the original design of the bridge, which he described as “something special.”
Indeed it is an especially attractive bridge that draws one toward it, onto it, across it.
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Photos by Julie Hall.
This bridge carried countless walkers, runners, cyclists, dogs, and horses for over 15 years. If only it could talk… Hopefully the new bridge will do so for at least twice that long. If you don't want to ford the creek, follow either trail 1/4 mi. to the North and cross on that bridge. You'll get in a nice walk and save the stream bank, as well.
Thanks for sharing this Ken!
The most important thing is that the bridge will be much safer for people years to come. Looks like a fantastic place to take the family for a hike:)