Thursday, January 05, 2012
 
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New footbridge to cross Kickapoo Creek

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[January 05, 2012]  Hikers and nature lovers will soon have a safer path across the body of water that snakes through Kickapoo Creek Park. A new suspension footbridge is being built that will continue to allow foot traffic to cross Kickapoo Creek and enjoy the secluded north side of the park.

HardwareKickapoo Creek Park is managed by a not-for-profit organization, the Logan County Park and Trails Foundation. According to park ranger Don Hellman, "the board felt the old bridge was becoming unsafe and decided to replace it."

"At first the members thought it should be a steel bridge, but that wouldn't have blended in with the surroundings as well as a wooden structure, so they changed the plan," Hellman explained.

The original bridge was built in 1971 through a joint effort by members of Lincoln Rotary and Kiwanis. But 40 years of foot traffic took their toll. The park board wanted to replace the bridge before further deterioration could occur.

Wooden poles are being replaced with steel posts, a new deck is in place, and the approach will consist of seven closed stairs instead of the open steps that were previously in place.

Freesen Inc. of Bluffs, Ill., is building the almost 75-foot bridge. A three-man crew began work in early December. After several days off for the holidays, the construction crew and a welder returned this week to resume the project. The crew chosen to build the footbridge over Kickapoo Creek has built bridges over rivers and other large spans.

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One of the construction workers told Hellman the new bridge will last 60 years.

"It won't make any difference to me," Hellman laughed. "I don't plan to be here taking care of things by then." 

[By MARLA BLAIR]

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