Workers from the W.C. Maloney construction firm gingerly place Jackson's historic Broadway Street bridge onto a flatbed trailer last Thursday. Photo by: Sean Rabé The bridge was moved to the Kennedy Mine property and set on freshly poured footings. The bridge will be used to carry pedestrian traffic. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch In addition to adding a longer, wider bridge, the Broadway Street bridge project plans ahead for Mission Blvd. (outlined at left) to join at the right-angled turn formed in Broadway. City Manager Mike Daly said that part of the plan isn't likely to happen for 10 years. Ongoing work will also add a stop sign at the road's juncture with Artesia Court. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch

Though it is nearly 100 years old, Jackson's historic Broadway Street bridge suffered no damage when it was moved from its former location spanning Jackson Creek near Clinton Road to its new home at the Kennedy Mine property.

The historic bridge, originally built circa 1912, was moved Thursday to its new home. A new concrete bridge is slated to be constructed over the creek with work completed by the end of the year, Jackson City Manager Mike Daly said.

According to the public notice on the bridge replacement, the new bridge is slated to be wider as well as slightly longer. In addition, the alignment of Broadway Street will be shifted slightly to the east with a 90-degree curve to the north. The city is also placing a stop sign at Broadway and Artesia Court to help slow traffic.

Daly said the plan allows for Mission Boulevard to join Broadway at the 90-degree curve. That isn't likely to happen for 10 years, however.

The total cost of the bridge transplant, construction of the new bridge and realignment of Broadway comes in at $1.2 million. Of that amount, 80 percent will be paid for by federal highway funds set aside for bridge replacement; 10 percent will come from the Amador County Transportation Commission's local project fund and the remaining portion will be funded by the city. Daly said the money for the bridge replacement had been budgeted several years ago.

Jackson Mayor Gene Taylor was on hand Thursday morning as the construction firm's crane began to lift the bridge from its foundation.

"We're saving history," Taylor said, referencing the new life of the historic bridge at the mine. "That's the important thing."

Following the Jackson City Council meeting Monday night, Taylor said it was luck that brought him to the bridge site at the right time.

"I was happy I was there. I've waited 18 years to see this done," he said.

Workers from the W.C. Maloney construction firm looped thick steel cables through each of the bridge's ends and center portion in order to lift the bridge from its foundation.