Students help preserve local history

From ODOT-

Recently, students from four local elementary
schools have helped us preserve some local history in time capsules that will
be sealed inside the new Whilamut Passage Bridge for the next 75 to 100 years.

Crews will place the time capsules inside the
base of the bridge’s arches later this summer, where they will remain safe and
dry until they are recovered at the end of the bridge’s life.





We thought a time capsule would be a great
way to involve children in a major transportation project and help them learn
how a bridge is built.

Hamilton project managers offered classroom
visits and site tours to participating schools: Buena Vista Elementary in
Eugene, Maple Elementary in Springfield, Lundy Elementary in Lowell and the
Eugene Christian School.

“We wanted to provide a learning opportunity
and maybe even spark interest in a career in engineering, architecture or
construction,” said Con O’Connor, Hamilton construction manager.

Students in the Maple Elementary Talented and
Gifted program impressed the team visiting that school. One student talked
about Andrew Carnegie and the first steel bridge, while another explained how
steel rebar and concrete work together to provide stability.

At Lundy Elementary, sixth graders engineered
and built their own model bridges. One model bridge – built from toothpicks and
glue – withstood 250 pounds and will be included in Lundy’s time capsule.

“We are so glad we could get children
involved,” said ODOT Project Manager Karl Wieseke. “Long after they grow up,
they’ll have a special connection to this beautiful bridge.”

This
toothpick bridge built by Lundy Elementary sixth graders will be one of many
included in the time capsule.