A bridge that has carried horses and wagons, Model Ts and modern contraptions over the Shell River was scheduled for demolition this week.
The bridge, located south of Hubbard on Arbor Road, was built in 1905. It was recently found to be structurally deficient, rated 24 out of a possible 100.
The Shell River flows under the bridge, having converged with the Fish Hook River just to the north.
Avis Fisher, 76, who lives three-quarters of a mile south of the century-old bridge, has heard tales of horses and wagons hauling grain from the Hubbard Prairie to a train station located between Menahga and Park Rapids.
Fisher moved to the area in 1954 and holds fond memories of dropping a line from the bridge, the forest colors resplendent, come autumn.
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And the landmark became a place for young people to gather. She recalls heading home one night to find teens dancing on the bridge.
"I turned around," Fisher said.
Arbor Road used to be referred to as the Hubbard Dump Road, due to its proximity to the former garbage site, she recalled. Prior to its E-911 renaming, it was (properly) dubbed the Upper Twin Lake Road.
After demolition, a replacement bridge will be in the works, Korby Construction of Fergus Falls the prime contractor for the $490,071 project.
The new structure, designed by Widseth, Smith, Nolting, will be 36 by 139 feet, built at approximately the same elevation. Plans call for the road to be straightened on the south side of the bridge.
Project funding will be through $276,250 in federal dollars, $136,105 in state bridge bonding, $67,716 from state township bridge funds and $10,000 from the township itself.
The amount does not include engineering and design work costs, said Dave Olsonawksi, Hubbard County engineer. But Hubbard Township's cost will not exceed $20,000.
