The Shober Humpback Bridge ~ Preservation Philosophy

In 2006, in an independent effort to show that rehabilitation of the Shober Bridge was a more viable and less costly option to the demolition/rebuild option, the Historic Salibury Foundation contracted with a structural engineer specialized in historic structure rehabilitation. David Fischetti's career has focused on projects of this nature in other communities and states.  He is familiar with the design issues involved with humpback bridges such as the Shober Bridge and is familiar with assessing current structural conditions of historic bridges and structures.

In this report, Fischetti states,

"[the City's] Bridge inspection reports have not addressed the Ellis Street / Shober Humpback Bridge as a cultural artifact eligible for restoration. A rehabilitation scheme which invokes the principles inherent in The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties would strive to retain a maximum amount of historic fabric.

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties contains some valuable information worth considering. Under these standards, rehabilitation means "the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible and efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural value."  Minimum alteration of the bridge, its environment and its distinguishing engineering and architectural qualities are required.  Archaeological resources must be protected as well as significant historical, architectural or cultural material. (...) The guidelines for applying The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties recommend that the "special problems inherent in the structural system..., especially where there are visible signs of cracking, deflection or failure" be recognized.  "Stabilization and repair of weakened structural members and systems when damaged or inadequate" are also recommended.  "Historically important structural members" are to be replaced "only when necessary".

This report concludes that, "It is in the best interest of Salisbury to maintain the current bridge geometry.  Increased clearance above the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, and a reduction in the approach grades, will have an overwhelming effect on approach grades along Ellis Street.  The result is a total construction cost for a new bridge which will far exceed the normal cost of a simple bridge required to traverse a railroad cut. (...) Is is our recommendation that Salisbury leaders select the option which ensures the maximum retention of historic fabric and continued use of this cultural resource.  In this way, the Ellis Street / Shober Humpback Bridge can continue to provide an important link across this active transportation corridor.
(Fischetti, 2006)