Anniston, AL – The installation of the Cane Creek Bridge, a pivotal section of the Chief Ladiga Trail extension, was successfully completed on January 16, marking a significant milestone for the project. The job, coordinated by B&B Developers with Tobi Burt as the general contractor, was a display of teamwork and collaboration between various contractors and organizations, ensuring a safe and efficient operation.
The installation began early in the morning, with B&B Developers’ tool and wood cribbing trailers arriving at 7:00 AM, ready for the day’s work. A 245-ton crane arrived shortly after at 7:30, followed by the first bridge truck at 9:05 AM. The second truck arrived at 9:40 AM, bringing with it the necessary components for the bridge installation. The entire operation was completed by noon, with all tools and equipment cleared from the site by 1:05 PM.
“This was a big day for us, and it’s one we can all be proud of,” said Tobi Burt, general contractor from B&B Developers. “It was a smooth process with everyone working together, staying on the same page, and accomplishing this safely and efficiently. This is one of the bigger pieces of the project, and it couldn’t have gone better.”
The Chief Ladiga Trail project began in April, with the bridge manufactured by Contech Bridge Solutions in Fort Payne, Alabama. The installation process, overseen by B&B Developers, was carefully coordinated between various subcontractors and partners. Branton Cole, a representative from the City of Anniston, highlighted the importance of the Cane Creek Bridge, noting, “This is one of the larger, more costly sections of the trail. Getting everything in place, from the manufacturing to the installation, has taken months of careful planning.”
Matt Stoop from SAIN Associates, the design firm behind the six-mile trail, explained the scope of the project. “This is the first of four bridges, and it’s the longest. We’ve been working on the design and construction for over a year now, and it’s exciting to see the progress.” The bridge, made of weathering steel, offers a rustic aesthetic in keeping with the natural surroundings, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the trail’s environment.
Jennifer McIntire from Contech Engineering Solutions spoke about the unique design of the bridge: “This is a trail bridge, and the weathering steel gives it a rustic look to match the trail’s vibe. We’re pleased to be part of this project, which is a great addition to the community, enhancing connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone who uses the trail.”
Bill Sanford with Banner Construction, the bridge subcontractor, added, “This is the largest of the four bridges we’re installing, and we found ways to cut costs while maintaining quality. We were able to save the city over half a million dollars by eliminating some unnecessary components. It’s been a great process, and the partnership between everyone involved has been fantastic.”
Gray Wells, a representative from Christy/Cobb Consulting Engineers, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s progress and its long-term impact on the region. “This bridge and trail extension are important steps not just for Anniston, but for the entire state. It shows how transportation infrastructure can serve as a resource for recreation and economic development. We’re excited to see the project moving forward and anticipate it bringing new opportunities to the local area.”
Tobi Burt shared his excitement about the project’s impact on the community, noting how he underestimated the size of the trail’s following. “I didn’t realize how big the cycling and walking trail community was until we got started. The people who have come out and expressed interest in the trail are amazing, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s been exciting to see the vision come to life, and it’s going to bring more tourism and outdoor activity to the area.”
Looking ahead, Burt anticipates that the project will be completed around April, though some unexpected delays have extended the timeline. He explained that B&B Developers is still involved in the final stages, including grouting the anchor bolts and paving the concrete deck.
The Chief Ladiga Trail extension is expected to connect Anniston with neighboring communities, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through walking, cycling, and recreational activities. The trail is also poised to be a draw for tourism, as Burt shared a personal anecdote about meeting cyclists from California who had traveled specifically to ride on the trail. “It’s going to be a major attraction,” he said. “This project is really going to put Anniston on the map.”
In addition to the community impact, environmental considerations were a priority throughout the installation. The bridge was designed to minimize disruption to the local wildlife and ecosystem, particularly Cane Creek. Burt noted that the installation process ensured that fish and wildlife habitats were not impacted.
As work continues on the Chief Ladiga Trail extension, the Cane Creek Bridge stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between B&B Developers, the City of Anniston, SAIN Associates, Contech, Banner Construction, Christy/Cobb Consulting Engineers, and other project partners. The completion of the bridge is a significant step toward realizing the vision of a world-class recreational trail that will serve both locals and tourists for years to come.
