The wait is over for the Stone Arch Bridge

Stone Arch Bridge

The new Stone Arch Bridge at Dunnings Springs Park has been a long time in the creation.

The project was proposed 15 years ago by Decorah Parks employee Randy Fulton, but funding could not be obtained.  Two years ago, Decorah Park and Rec Director Andy Nimrod approached local mason Ted Wilson after local donors, including the Storlie family and the DECO Company, made funds available.

Wilson and several other masons started work on the 16-foot long bridge with an arch radius of ten feet.  The stone-- dolomite limestone--came from the foundation of the deconstructed East Side School.  Stone City stone from Anamosa was also used when it became evident that more stone would be needed.  Kevin Quandahl poured the concrete footing on either side of the creek.  The stones on the bridge are all dry laid, held together by gravity, the arch stones were pre-cut and then fitted using hand tools during construction.  The capstones are fastened with stainless steel pins imbedded in epoxy and the holes filled with stone plugs.

Jordan Kjome and Ted Wilson were the recent guests of the Decorah Lions Club.  

 

Ted Wilson, Jordan Kjome and Decorah Lions President Dennis Evelsizer