DDS Engineering, PLLC - WKU Lost River Project

One of the most interesting natural features of Warren County is the Lost River Cave and Valley. This karst feature has been documented to have been used by many peoples for several hundred years, for purposes ranging from shelter and defense positions, milling, tourism and entertainment. Ownership and management of the site is currently by a private, not for profit group, and local interest and pride in the site's good economic and physical health is high.

Geologists from the Center for Cave and Karst Studies at Western continually explore and monitor the cave system, and provide boat tours for the public. In a further gesture of support, Western Kentucky University sponsored the purchase and placement of a pin connected, steel pedestrian bridge to span the valley, thus providing a new way for visitors to experience the unique qualities of the site. WKU's Department of Facilities Management, the Friend's of Lost River, and DDS ENGINEERING, PLLC collaborated on the alignment of the proposed bridge.

DDS ENGINEERING, PLLC performed the research, field reconnaissance, field topographic survey work, office calculations, and prepared a topographic survey with a one foot contour interval and numerous spot elevations on both sides of the valley and several hundred feet beyond as required for the placement of the concrete bridge abutments. We also provided the construction staking for the abutments, and inspected the bolt holes for proper alignment before the bridge was crane lifted into place.