Carleton College Cowling Arboretum FAQs

Why does the Iron Bridge need replacement?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

The single lane Iron Bridge is listed as number one on the State of Minnesota’s deficient
bridge list. While currently safe, and frequently inspected, it can not be considered safe
for much longer. Additionally, the current bridge is not rated for emergency vehicle use;
ambulances and fire equipment are not allowed to use it due to height, width and weight
restrictions.

What is the recommendation of the Arboretum Committee?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

The Arboretum Committee recommends that the College Board of Trustees approve the
donation of a transportation easement (of about 2 acres) and a temporary construction
easement to the Township of Waterford for the purposes of bridge construction.

What type of bridge will be built?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

The new bridge will allow for two lanes of traffic (one lane in each direction) and will be
rated for emergency vehicles. The road surface area of the new bridge will be 32 feet
wide, which should allow room for pedestrians and bikes to share the road with
vehicle traffic.

Where will the new bridge be built?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

The new bridge will be built slightly upstream of the Iron Bridge on land owned by
Carleton. A transportation easement will be donated to the Township of Waterford which
will grant them permission to build and maintain the bridge. A construction easement will
grant temporary use of additional land to facilitate the bridge building. It was not
possible to find a bridge crossing site downstream of the present bridge that did not
involve moving and rebuilding roads, among other issues.

What will happen to the Iron Bridge?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

As long as it continues to pass safety inspections, the Iron Bridge would be left in place
for the period of new bridge construction to allow for river crossing. After the new
bridge is in place, the Iron Bridge will be closed to public use, pending future plans to
renovate and re-use it for pedestrian and bicycle crossing. Because of the historical
significance of the bridge, the Township of Waterford hopes to be able to follow through
on these plans, but a funding source for the renovation and maintenance of the Iron Bridge
has not been identified.

What was the process used to determine the future bridge location?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

Members of the Arboretum Committee, as well as other college representatives, have
discussed the bridge with the Township of Waterford for the past four years. A number
of specific questions were asked regarding the ecological impacts of the new bridge. The
bridge location plans and bridge design were re-worked three times to accommodate
various concerns. Outside assistance was solicited from the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources.

Who was involved in the discussion regarding the Iron Bridge replacement?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

Members of the Arboretum Committee, the Dean of the College Office, the Vice-
President and Treasurer, the External Relations Office, and College Legal Counsel all
participated in the discussion.

What impact will there be on the Carleton Arboretum?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

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.

How big an area of the Arboretum will be impacted?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

The Arboretum is 880 acres in size. The area impacted by building the new bridge is
approximately 2 acres.

What benefits will there be to the Carleton community?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

As part of the bridge construction, the Township of Waterford has agreed to develop a
formal boat launch for canoe and kayak use. While boaters currently use the area just
upstream of the Iron Bridge to launch, it is a difficult scramble up a steep bank and there
is not adequate or safe parking. Additionally, the Town of Waterford is extremely
grateful that the College is willing to work with them to solve their bridge safety and
access issues.

When will the new bridge be built?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

Engineering work is expected to be completed by July. Depending on permitting and
funding, construction will take place in the fall of 2008 or in 2009.

Who should I contact if I still have questions?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:32:30 -0600

Contact Arboretum Director Nancy Braker, or any other member of the Arboretum
Committee. Current Arboretum Committee members are Nancy Braker, Dennis Easley,
Leon Lunder, Mark McKone, Eva Posfay, Fred Rogers, Mary Savina, and Gary
Wagenbach.