Triocrk Treat
November 3, 2016 75¢
Independence celebrated a “spookatcular” Halloween on Monday as trick-ortreaters visited downtown retailers. (Steven C. Smith Photos)
New bridge technology draws attention from across Iowa
By Steven C. Smith
Back in February 2015, after a recent spate of bridge closings due to exceeding load capacity and safety issues, County Engineer Brian Keierleber reported to the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors that there were no bids for concrete pre-cast abutments to replace a bridge at 110th Street and Deacon Avenue. Keierleber detailed an option to build forms locally and use ductile-type concrete donated by the Korean Institute of Construction Technology (KICT). He described the ductile concrete as very strong – “liquid steel.” On Nov. 10, 2015, the county held a ribbon cutting for the bridge Keierleber proposed. The county held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 26 for another innovative bridge structure, the Catt Bridge on 215th St., east of Independence. This bridge is made entirely of laminated wood products and sits on Geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) abutments. The “Glulam” frame and deck, manufactured with waterproof
adhesives and pressure-preservative treatments, can be used in exposed applications such as bridges, utility poles, and docks. Designs range from straight girders like the Catt Bridge to soaring arches, such as on the bridge at Fontana Park near Hazleton. The wood products are rated to last as long or longer than other modern construction methods and are estimated to cost anywhere from 20-40% less. Iowa State University National Timber Bridge Center is monitoring the structure and the behavior of the glue laminated beams and the GRS abutments. The $186,045 cost of replacing the bridge was offset by donations of $165,000 for materials by the US Forest Products Lab. Pictured above: County and state representatives attend the bridge ribbon cutting ceremony. At left: Technology provides continuous feedback on bridge performance. (Steven C. Smith Photos)
Supervisors approve Hwy. D-22 project At their Oct. 24 meeting, Buchanan County Board of Supervisors Ellen Gaffney, Gary Gissel, and Don Shonka discussed INRCOG agreements as presented by County Engineer Brian Keierleber. The board approved the agreement with Iowa Northland Regional Transportation Authority for a project which entails pavement rehab and widening of Hwy. D-22 from east corporate line of Winthrop, east 4.7 miles to IA Hwy. 187. The board also approved a radon coloring contest presented by Environmental Health Administrator Matt Even, with a specific purpose of drawing awareness to the importance of radon testing and miti-
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gation. The contest will be held Jan. 1-Feb. 3, 2017, for all Buchanan County students ages 9-14. A public hearing was opened regarding a rezoning request by Paul Niemann Construction Co. The supervisors approved rezoning property in Madison Township, Section 19, 30.93 acres from “A-1” agricultural to “I” industrial. The only use of this property is for quarrying of limestone. A buffer strip of trees will be established along Slater Ave. at a distance of 150 feet by Paul Niemann Construction (species of trees will be approved by Buchanan County Conservation Board). Story continues on page 4.
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EB School Board candidate Stone to be on ballot Local voters will go to the polls Nov. 8 to elect one member to the board of education for the East Buchanan School District. East Buchanan Board Secretary Beth Weepie states, “The election is a great opportunity to learn more about what’s happening in our schools; we urge the community to get involved and cast their ballots.” Shawn Stone is running for a four-year term on the board for District 2. Polling places are St. Patrick Parish Center in Winthrop, Aurora Legion Hall in Aurora, and Quasqueton Legion Hall in Quasqueton. Polls are open from 7 AM-8 PM. For more information contact Buchanan County Auditor at 319-334-4109.
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