Restoring the Historic Cut River Bridge

Words: Dan Kamys

Rehabs and Restorations

[caption id="attachment_8867" align="alignright" width="605"]Cut-River-Bridge Cut River Bridge, Upper Peninsula, Mich., Photo by Chris Rupinski, Construction Engineer, Michigan Department of Transportation[/caption] After more than 70 years of braving harsh Michigan winters, the stone facade of this iconic Cut River Bridge was ready for a facelift. Because the restoration had to be reviewed and approved by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and comply with federal laws, a mortar material that had similar physical properties to the existing sandstone was required. The scientifically formulated restoration mortar chosen was up to the task. Located along historic US Route 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the steel deck cantilever truss Cut River Bridge was constructed between 1940 and the end of World War II, and is among Michigan’s largest and most well-known historic bridges. Soaring 147 feet above the Cut River, with spectacular views of Lake Michigan from its deck, the bridge was designed to be a tourist attraction as well as a functional piece of infrastructure. Sidewalks built above the bridge give visitors a bird’s eye view of the bridge, while a set of stairways built into the base takes pedestrians under the bridge. There, they can get a close up view of the supporting trusses. The abutments and piers constructed to look like stone cut arches feature exceptional detail and decorative stone facing. Extensive lattice and v-lacing on its riveted, built-up members give the bridge a great amount of visual complexity. It, along with a roadside park and a series of trails around the structure, has been maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for more than 70 years, during which time the severe weather extremes of the Upper Peninsula took a toll on the structure’s stone facade. [caption id="attachment_8868" align="alignright" width="300"]Erosion caused by pointing mortar being harder than the stone Erosion caused by pointing mortar being harder than the stone[/caption] In 2012, MDOT was awarded an Enhancement Grant for restoration of the existing sandstone fascia and mortared joints on the abutments of the Cut River Bridge (B01-49023) in Mackinac County, Mich. The scope of work for this $800,000 landmark restoration project included the removal of existing cement mortar material between the sandstone veneer on the panel abutments, and repointing of the joints with a mortar material with similar physical properties to the existing sandstone, as mandated by federal law. MDOT requested that the proposed mortar material also be used to reconstruct existing sandstone damaged from freeze-thaw spalling and weather erosion. [caption id="attachment_8869" align="alignright" width="300"]Removing old joints between sandstone blocks. Removing old joints between sandstone blocks.[/caption] The material used for this work could be modified by the addition of pigments to match the existing color and striation of the sandstone. Since the Cut River Bridge was eligible for – and subsequently included on – the National Register of Historic Places, the work was subject to review and approval by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. The restoration project was let in 2014 using an innovative “Fixed Price Variable Scope” contracting method, based on the available enhancement funding. The sandstone panels were broken down into 33 segments or units, and were prioritized based on surface appearance and visible distress. The bid tab required bidding in sequential order, beginning with the lump sum for Mobilization and a lump sum item for Training, Oversight and Prep Work required for installation of the product. From that point, each of the 33 segments of the sandstone bridge panels would be listed with the highest priority first, followed by each subsequent segment, which would have a dollar amount bid in order of priority. The winning bid was submitted by Anlaan Corp., with Pneumatic Restoration Inc. doing the repairs. Jahn mortars were used for the patching and pointing. Work began in July of 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in June 2015. [caption id="attachment_8870" align="alignright" width="250"]As a veteran-owned and -staffed company and restoration masonry consultant and provider on the Cut River/Heath Michael Robinson Memorial Bridge, Cathedral Stone Products Inc. salutes Heath Michael Robinson - born June 5, 1977, killed in Action Aug. 6, 2011, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, Mission: Extortion 17. Laid to rest Arlington National Cemetery – Section 60. As a veteran-owned and -staffed company and restoration masonry consultant and provider on the Cut River/Heath Michael Robinson Memorial Bridge, Cathedral Stone Products Inc. salutes Heath Michael Robinson - born June 5, 1977, killed in Action Aug. 6, 2011, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, Mission: Extortion 17. Laid to rest Arlington National Cemetery – Section 60.[/caption] Repair to the bridge was needed to maintain the integrity and strength of the sandstone pillars that have eroded over time, while preserving the historical significance and appearance of the structure. Robert Foguth with Pneumatic Restoration is project foreman and was joined by journeymen installers Keith and James Foguth – all of whom had been trained by Cathedral Stone to be certified Jahn Installers.  On-site training and inspections were provided by Cathedral Stone Products President Dennis Rude, who spent three days working with the contractor, the MDOT team as well as Chris Rupinski, construction engineer. While the structure has been known as the Cut River Bridge since its construction in the mid-20th century, it will be re-dedicated in October 2015 as the “Heath Michael Robinson Memorial Bridge.” The name honors United States Navy Special Force Operations Senior Chief Heath M. Robinson, U.S. Navy SEAL from Alma, Mich., who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 6, 2011.

Product to Watch

MasonRE Latex 20
MasonRE-Latex-20Cathedral Stone Product’s MasonRE Latex 20 waterless interior cleaner effectively removes soiling conditions, mineral deposits, general soiling from smoke and airborne articles as well as hand soiling on limestone surfaces. In addition to limestone, Latex 20 works great on anything from marble to concrete, and it is simple and easy to use. It can either be brushed or sprayed onto the substrate, allowed to dwell for roughly 24 hours (substrate temperature as well as humidity can affect dwell time), and then peeled off of the wall. For more information, visit www.cathedralstone.com. MasonRE Latex 20 was used to restore a fireplace at Nebraska’s State Capitol.
Return to Table of Contents
Guide to Estimating and Basic Bid Sheets

Estimating is the process of calculating all the costs, time, and resources needed to complete a project during the preconstruction phase. These costs typically include direct and indirect costs, overhead costs, and profit margins calculated to...

By: Mason Hill
Read More
Westlake Royal Building Products™ Expands Partnership with Boise Cascade® for Cedar Renditions™ and Versetta Stone® Distribution

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), today announced an expanded partnership with Boise Cascade®, a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials throughout North America. Strengthening Westl

By: Kriss SwintSophia Possidente
Read More
Four Different Types of Natural Stone Used For Masonry

Natural stone has been a staple in masonry for centuries. Before it was used to transform home and landscape designs on residential properties, it was used for historical buildings and some of the most iconic destinations in the world.

By: Noah Dempsey
Read More
Advice to the Beginners

The best advice I could give anyone that is starting a career in masonry is that first and foremost, you must "know" yourself. What do you like to do? What would you like in a working environment? Do you like to be outside? Do you enjoy physical activity

By: Dan Hiltebeitel
About: Featured
Read More