Turley Publications submitted photo

A crane holds the 110-foot bridge in the air before lowering
it over Parker Brook in Oakham. This bridge will allow
crossing over the brook by users of the Mass. Central Rail Trail.

Regional rail trail gets new bridge

OAKHAM - The Mass Central Rail Trail grew by 110' on Thursday, May 20, when a new bridge was installed over Muddy Pond Brook in Oakham just west of the Route 122 crossing. Wachusett Greenways, in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, purchased and installed the bridge to replace the original Muddy Pond Brook crossing that was washed out in the 1938 hurricane. The new continental bridge built by ConTech came all the way from Minnesota and was carefully lowered into place by a 275 ton crane.

The project was managed by volunteers Ed Yaglou and Bruce Pennino, professional engineer. Ed Yaglou, chair of Wachusett Greenways' Mass Central Rail Trail Task Force, explained, "Today's installation of a 110 foot long bridge over Parker Brook was completed in less than ten hours, thanks to the joint efforts of Astro Crane, ConTech's truckers, the Oakham police detail, consultant George Costa and dozens of Wachusett Greenways volunteers, all of whom took a real interest in the project. However, the planning and permitting which led up to today's event took over a year, with test borings, soil analysis, consultants, design by our volunteer engineer, Bruce Pennino, clearing by Tim Robinson and excavation plus all sorts of other arrangements by our contractor, Mark Sadowski of East Hill Excavating. It was a huge group effort and an inspiration to see a ‘can do’ crowd of people get something wonderful done." 

Spectators included two enthusiastic two-year-old boys that admired the big trucks, the excavator and the tall crane. As soon as the bridge was anchored, the delighted onlookers crossed the bridge and admired its sturdy, attractive construction and the beautiful view of the trees and brook.

Wachusett Greenways will continue construction on the Mass Central Rail Trail during 2010. The trail will extend one mile west to Coldbrook Station Road this summer with Bob Salvadore Excavating as the contractor for the trail development. The clearing was completed by Greenways volunteers including dozens of helpers of all ages from the Disney Give a Day/Get a Day program. In addition Greenways will design and prepare for construction of the underpass at Route 56 in Rutland Center. Volunteers, members and donors are welcome. People may contact Wachusett Greenways at www.wachusettgreenways.org or at Box 121, Holden, MA 01520.