Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Bridge
Our conservators worked with Fort Myer Construction to complete an assessment of the historic iron elements of the 31st Street Bridge over the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Georgetown, Washington, DC. The canal is spanned by two flat bridges that are supported in the center by a pier of cast-iron columns running parallel with the canal. The construction likely dates to the mid-late 19th century and is characteristic of cast-iron structures of the period. Detailed condition documentation was provided, with major deteriorations highlighted and treatment recommendations provided. Remnants of the historic coatings were matched to a Munsell color number and also a commercial paint color system of the client’s choice.
The goal of the assessment was to document the current conditions of the bridge prior to work and provide recommendations, following the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and best practices for cast iron preservation.
