Solution

In the early 1980s, RIDOT concluded that demolition and replacement was the only practical solution. However, after passage of the 1987 and 1991 surface transportation laws--coupled with the eligibility of the Stillwater Bridge for National Register listing--the Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Office requested RIDOT consider alternatives to demolition under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. RIDOT then began efforts to find a recipient who would agree to relocate and preserve the structure. Failing this, the bridge was to be taken apart and placed in storage, awaiting a future preservation effort.

Fortunately, the nearby town of Cumberland, Rhode Island, was looking for two historic bridges to place in the new Valley Falls Heritage Park (see figure 4). The plans called for several bridges to span the old mill runs and canals, which survive at the site of the Valley Falls mill complex. These bridges would primarily serve pedestrian traffic. By coincidence, historic data indicated that one of the mill's bridges had been (or resembled) a lenticular truss.

Figures 2 and 3. The extent of damage can be seen in the bent vertical post member ( left) and the heavily corroded end post (right). Similar problems existed throughout the structure. Photo: Beta Engineering.

A plan was agreed upon to dismantle the Stillwater Road Bridge and ship it to Cumberland, where it would be rehabilitated, then installed within the park. The phased work program, developed according to RIDOT specifications, included:

I.   Dismantling the bridge on its original site,
II.  Transporting the dismantled bridge by flatbed truck to a metal fabrication shop.
III. Inspecting, cleaning, and/or reproducing bridge elements.
IV. Re-assembling the parts and installing the bridge on its new site

Figure 4. This is a drawing of the early mill complex in Cumberland, Rhode Island. The proposed location for the moved, rehabilitated Stillwater Road Bridge is indicated. None of the early buildings remain. Map: Courtesy, Rhode Island Department of Transportation.