MORGANTOWN – The two 86-foot sections that will make up the new bridge crossing Cobun Creek in White Park were set in place Wednesday.
The structure measures six-feet wide at the abutments and expands to 10 feet at the center pier. It has a total length of 172 feet, end to end.
According to information provided by the city, the bridge was designed by Herbert, Rowland & Gubric Inc., built by Unalam, in upstate New York, and installed by SQP Construction Group, based in St. Albans.
“We are proud to have worked on this project and look forward to the community enjoying the new addition to White Park,” Morgantown Deputy Director of Public Works Meagan Deeley said. “Future trail improvements will further enhance the White Park trail system, creating even more opportunities for residents to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor recreation in Morgantown.”
Both the bridge and the future trail improvements referenced by Deeley are being financed by the Morgantown Utility Board. The amenities were among the conditions MUB, BOPARC and the city agreed to before allowing the utility board to clear a swath through the park in order to bury a gravity-fed water line connecting Flegal Reservoir to the water treatment facility on Don Knotts Boulevard.
The bridge will provide access to the south side of the old Cobun Creek Reservoir, opening some 20 acres of White Park for new trails and public use.
Morgantown City Council approved a $1.44 million contract for the bridge’s construction in March. It was explained there are some outstanding “soft costs” that will be added to that number to determine the final cost to MUB.
“The City of Morgantown extends its gratitude to all partners involved and to MUB for providing funding support for the project,” Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffee said.
The bridge project is expected to reach substantial completion by the end of the year.
