Woodland Bridge – A Hazard Removed

June 10, 2021
The Woodland Bridge in Olmsted Woods

The Woodland Bridge sat astride the ravine in the Olmsted Woods for some 60 years. With its rustic wooden pilings and charming gazebo sited mid-span, it held memories for decades of students crossing over and countless visitors entering the woods to ascend the Pilgrim Way. 

The remnants of the Woodland Bridge in March 2021

All Hallows Guild had the bridge reinforced in 2003 as a part of our restoration of the Olmsted Woods. The bridge was still fulfilling its purpose until 2012 when a derecho, with strong straight-line winds, toppled large tree limbs onto the bridge. The ensuing damage forced the bridge’s closure. 

Rotted bridge decking shown in 2016

Beginning in 2016, All Hallows Guild engaged engineers to analyze the condition of the bridge and explore the possibility of a new bridge. The studies and subsequent sessions with engineers and architects concluded that the Woodland Bridge was not repairable and should be removed. Despite stabilization and reinforcement measures, insect damage and wood rot had destroyed too much of the wood pilings, railings, and planking, leaving a genuine hazard for any who ignored the barriers to try the crossing. Faced with this realization, the Guild undertook the process of having the bridge removed. 

Bridge demolition was accomplished in late March. A team of arborists accustomed to climbing on and hanging, harnessed, from unstable wood trunks and branches carefully cut the wood sections piece by piece. Cut sections were hoisted by a crane into dumpsters parked on Pilgrim Road and no heavy equipment had to disturb the Woods or the ravine.

The remaining metal sections of pilings in the ravine can function as part of check dams for water control or they may be concealed with plantings.

Visitors continue to enjoy the Woods, taking a longer, more circuitous route from bottom to top. More time to enjoy the peace and serenity of this urban oasis!

The Pilgrim Way is the main pathway through the Olmsted Woods

WHO WE ARE

All Hallows Guild was founded in 1916 to provide for the care and beautification of the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. The Guild works closely with the horticultural staff to preserve this historic landscape and raises funds for renovation and renewal of the gardens.

CONTACT US

  • (202) 537-2937
  • ahg@allhallowsguild.org
  • 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
    Washington, DC 20016

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