Bridge Questions:

[cosmo]

I'm not sure the best place in this forum to ask this question, but here seems as good as any.
Since the museum's inception over 10 yrs ago, I've heard everything from rumor, speculation, innuendo etc regarding the Back Cove swing bridge. Since the last time I'd heard of any major plans to cross the bridge (which were since dropped in favor of the ballpark,) there has been at least ONE major development, the "de-classifying" of the Back Cove entrance as a navigable waterway.
What I'm wondering at this point is has there been any serious consideration given to exploring the possibilities of closing the span and repairing the trestle, possibly with the co-operation of the Portland Parks/Rec dept. or the Trails people (whoever heads up involvement with the Eastern Promenade and the walk/bike way,) and crossing the bridge to East Deering?
One tempting reason (although I do not know just how possible/practical it would be,) for crossing the bridge would be the potential to occupy the old Grand Trunk RR roundhouse in that area. Since MNGRR needs a permanent home for it's shop facilities and possibly the museum itself there might be a better solution there than at the current location where no permanent shop building can be erected and efforts to build one elsewhere along the line have been otherwise foiled.
Amongst other questions about such a project:
1) Is there enough interest in extending the walkway across the bridge for there to be a co-effort between MNGRR and the walkway folks?
2) How much work needs be donne to the bridge and it's approach trestles before it would be deemed safe enough for the MNGRR to extend it's ROW?
3) Who occupies the former GTR building (s?) and would the space be available for lease/rent or flat out purchase any time in the foreseeable future?
The last thing I want to do is to spark any wild rumors, but at the same time it would be nice to know if there's been anything more than mere speculation on the possibilities mentioned above.
Thanks for your time guys,
Pete "Cosmo" B.

[Lightning]

Cosmo,

To answer your questions,

1) I don't think so. The walkway turns and goes up the hill before the bridge following the coastline. Also across the bridge is the B&M bean plant, and the industrial siding that services it. However there is plenty of space for a second track on the other side.

2) In my opinion, which also comes from many years in the building trade and schooling in Mechanical Engineering, the bridge is usable by MNGRR with a reasonable input.

The bridge was originally designed and later upgraded to carry the 200 ton locomotives of the Grand Trunk. As our heaviest locomotive is only 30 to 40 tons, I suspect the structure is reasonably stout enough to support our gross weight. Upon visual inspection, the pilings are still sound enough for our weight class. Several of the bents and stringers are in excellent condition, though some will need replaced. Roughly half of the deck ties need replaced. The center span needs rotated 90 degrees and then painted. and then there's rail, bars, and spikes. (Disclaimer, I am NOT a licensed bridge inspector)

Now, is it doable? Hmmm... I think so, but in a few (3-5)years. I also think it can be done for $60 grand, as opposed to the estimates for $2 Million that I've heard floating around. Don't shoot me yet!!! I'll explain. The center span could be painted by a bridge painting co in exchange for advertising rights. They keep it painted, we let them advertise for free.
Now for the rotation. Since Back Cove is not a "navigable channel" the center span doesn't need to be able to open and close. so once it's closed it's closed. But how? Well, I have a two pronged approach. after the RR East approach is repaired we can run trains on it, so we take all our locomotives out, couple them up and connect them to the center span. Second, we borrow either a coast guard ship or something else with some size and attach it as well. Between the two and a whole bunch of grease, we should be able to close the bridge.
Lastly the approaches. I think 30 grand a piece or less would do it. Our biggest expenses would be lumber and fasteners. of course there's always the possibility of donated material...
All of this is planning on donated labor of volunteers. If we did hire it out to contractors etc. I fully expect the costs to run into the hundred-thousands of $'s.

3) The old railroad buildings are currently used as a headquarters for some ambulance company. I don't suspect that they will be available any time soon.
However the old Grand Trunk yard in Portland is just a dirt lot used for overflow parking and is adjacent to our current right of way. that would give us the opportunity to 'build to suit'. So we could have whatever we wanted. The key here is to buy the land beforehand.

[cosmo]

Actually, I swung by the old GTR roundhouse area on sunday. Bad news, it's a well developed, well used office park.
GOOD news is, the buildings are well preserved and maintained and the signage there carries reminders of it's RR history!
There is some space available for lease there, but I doubt MNGRR could get into it easily.
Looks like the best bet, if the bridge is crossed, would be to extend dual gauge up as far North as is practicable for the views, that's about it.