Frequently Asked Questions: Waterford Iron Bridge Replacement
What impact will there be on the Carleton Arboretum?
While the Arboretum Committee worked hard to minimize impact, some negative
impacts are inevitable. There are three identified categories of impact:
- short term ecological
- long term ecological, and
- aesthetic
In the short term we will see ecological impact to the floodplain forest in the area the new bridge will occupy and in the construction zone needed to build the bridge. Two groups of large cottonwood trees will be removed, and a number of smaller cottonwood, ash, and river birch will also be removed. We hope to provide the lumber from these trees to the Carleton Art Department for use in art and furniture projects.
In the long term we expect that there will be changes in the river and floodplain forest dynamics due to changes in water flow patterns and constraints to the river channel caused by the piers of the new bridge. We expect these to be minimized as much as possible by the changes we have requested in the bridge design and approach.
Lastly, there is no doubt that the new bridge will look quite different than the existing Iron Bridge. The new bridge will be substantially larger and will be a more imposing presence to those exploring the Arboretum on foot or by boat.
The Waterford Town Board has assured Carleton that it is committed to maintaining the rural character of this area. There are no plans to pave Canada Avenue.
Other FAQs
- Why does the Iron Bridge need replacement?The single lane Iron Bridge is listed as number one on the State of Minnesota’s...
- What is the recommendation of the Arboretum Committee?The Arboretum Committee recommends that the College Board of Trustees approve the donation of a transportation...
- What type of bridge will be built?The new bridge will allow for two lanes of traffic (one lane in each direction)...
- Where will the new bridge be built?The new bridge will be built slightly upstream of the Iron Bridge on land owned...
- What will happen to the Iron Bridge?As long as it continues to pass safety inspections, the Iron Bridge would be left...
- What was the process used to determine the future bridge location?Members of the Arboretum Committee, as well as other college representatives, have discussed the bridge with...
- Who was involved in the discussion regarding the Iron Bridge replacement?Members of the Arboretum Committee, the Dean of the College Office, the Vice- President and Treasurer,...
- What impact will there be on the Carleton Arboretum?While the Arboretum Committee worked hard to minimize impact, some negative impacts are inevitable. There are...
- How big an area of the Arboretum will be impacted?The Arboretum is 880 acres in size. The area impacted by building the new bridge...
- What benefits will there be to the Carleton community?As part of the bridge construction, the Township of Waterford has agreed to develop a formal...
- When will the new bridge be built?Engineering work is expected to be completed by July. Depending on permitting and funding, construction will...
- Who should I contact if I still have questions?Contact Arboretum Director Nancy Braker, or any other member of the Arboretum Committee. Current Arboretum Committee...