Shade Bog BridgeEnvironmental Concerns Shape Unique Replacement Project

Staff members at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Harris County are driving their maintenance vehicles and carts across Shade Bog Bridge, preparing for spring and for visitors who enjoy the flora. Today there are no concerns about safety on the curved bridge, as the concrete piers and timber beams supporting the decking are all new.
Working in a water-blocked creek bed while avoiding tree trunks, trees and vegetation, Centennial Contractors Enterprises Inc. completed the following:
replaced Shade Bog Bridge;
built a retention wall that doubles as a seating area and holds back the sloping hill next to the bog;
installed a concrete culvert area; and
covered the crossover with stone and masonry.
Because it is a botanic garden site, concern for the environment is high on the list of priorities.
“Centennial was very environmentally conscious about our garden, not damaging the trees and plants,” said Linda Gay, director of Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.
Tim Murphy, Centennial Contractors Enterprises Inc. project manager, noted that the creek bed and unique environmental needs required extra steps and paperwork.
“We were constantly changing the layout because they didn’t want to lose trees and vegetation,” said Murphy. “Even at the last when we were building handrails