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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted April 23, 2002 Text © 2002 Suzanne Miron for Keweenaw Now Photos © as noted

MTU students help plan bridge restoration in Eagle River

By Suzanne Miron

EAGLE RIVER -- Michigan Technological University's Civil Engineering Senior Design Group has been busy at work analyzing and planning for restoration of the Pratt Pony Bridge in Eagle River, near Lake Superior. Also known as "the main street bridge," this historical structure has been closed by the Keweenaw County Road Commission for the past three years because of the dangerous decay of the concrete deck.

The Pratt Pony Bridge in Eagle River has been closed for three years because of dangerous decay. Michigan Tech civil engineering students have been assisting Eagle River resident Jim Vivian III with plans for restoring the historic bridge. (May 2001 photo © Pete Wessel of the Michigan Department of Transportation. Reprinted with permission.)

The MTU students will present their analytical findings and plans for restoration of the Pratt Pony Bridge from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, in Room 214 of Dillman Hall on the Michigan Tech campus.

Jim Vivian III approached Bogue Sandberg, Michigan Tech professor of civil and engineering,  to propose that this class take on this project as a starting point for his proactive effort to see the bridge restored. Vivian owns and resides in the historic Eagle River Lighthouse, which is located only meters away from the bridge.

Vivian said he would rather see money used to restore the bridge than to clean it up, should it collapse into the river. His efforts to have the bridge restored lie in Vivian's interest in maintaining the historical dignity of Eagle River.

"This bridge is an artery for Eagle River," Vivian explained. "It ties the west half to the east half. It's a historical structure in a historical district. This bridge has replaced three wooden bridges."

This photo by Jim Vivian III shows the present condition of the Pratt Pony Bridge, located in a historical district of Eagle River, Mich. (Photo © Jim Vivian III. Reprinted with permission)

Sandberg agreed to take on this class project. The class officially began in January with the second semester, but the students had already begun to analyze and gather information before the snow fell last November. According to their analysis of the materials used to build the bridge, the students estimate the bridge was built in 1909. Records on the bridge are rather elusive as the jurisdiction of the bridge lies with the Keweenaw County Road Commission, and the organization wasn't formed until 1913.

Members of the MTU Senior Design Group who have been helping with plans to restore the Pratt Pony Bridge in Eagle River are pictured here with Eagle River resident Jim Vivian III (second from right, standing). Top row, from left: Leif Coponen, Professor Bogue Sandberg, Ryan Betker and Andrew Slaughter. Seated, from left: Eric Morris, Bryan Block, and Renee Yaek. (Photo © Suzanne Miron)

Since historical information about the bridge is very limited, Vivian requests that anyone who has any documentation about the bridge -- be it photographs or newspaper clippings -- present this to him.

"The more historical documentation available for presentation, the more attractive the package will be regarding the obtaining of grants," Vivian noted.

The Senior Design group's findings are that the concrete deck is in dire shape -- the main reason for the closure of the bridge. However, the students also found that the trusses above are in good shape and only need refurbishing. The structures that have had to withstand many years of salt and water exposure need replacing.

This photo of the deteriorated Pratt Pony Bridge was taken by Pete Wessel of the Michigan Department of Transporation (MDOT) in May 2001. (Photo © 2001 Pete Wessel. Reprinted with permission)

The group has a couple of options to present. One is to restore the deck of the bridge to the full width. The other, and potentially less expensive option, is to create a wooden deck at a reduced width -- providing a bridge open to foot traffic only. A bridge's load capacity is dependent upon the square feet of said structure. Thus, a reduced width would reduce the load it can hold.

The Keweenaw County Road Commission, presently, cannot justify spending the money necessary to restore the bridge because of the newer truss bridge built above it only a few years ago and the demands of other road need issues. Vivian is championing the bridge restoration in attempts to obtain grants and contributions from the county and township, but the bulk of the money would come in the form of grants. One such possibility is through the Historical Department of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Author's Note: If anyone has any contributions of historical information regarding the main street bridge in Eagle River, please e-mail me at memiron@up.net, and I will forward this information to Jim Vivian III.

Read more about the author of this article, Suzanne Miron.

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