Brayman Construction Corporation, in collaboration with Advantage Steel & Construction, LLC, Brayman Precast, and Tunstall Engineering Group, constructed a memorial bridge honoring the late John Kosar of Butler County. The John E. Kosar Memorial Bridge was artfully designed to connect holes 10 and 11 of the Butler Country Club golf course. A bridge is a fitting tribute as John was known for building connections on the golf course and in the business community. Mr. Kosar served on the Board of Directors at Brayman Construction, where he gave generously of his time and knowledge to Brayman CEO and long-time friend, Steve Muck. Steve's commitment to this lasting tribute is a reflection of the profound impact that John had on both his personal and professional life.
The new memorial bridge replaced an existing pedestrian and golf cart bridge over a small lake on the course and was designed around the existing bridge members. The project was completed in several phases. Tunstall Engineering Group did the design on an accelerated basis, and crews worked off hours and at night to construct the project in just three short weeks for the bridge to be ready for a memorial service and ribbon-cutting event. The alternative schedule allowed the crews to work with minimal disruption to play on the course and without damage to the surrounding fairways and greens.
The project site had very limited laydown and work area available, so the demolition, steel erection, and precast installation were all marine-based and completed from the lake surrounding the new bridge. Albeit marine-based, minimal barge support from the lake was possible because Brayman Precast constructed the abutments and pier as “tubs” that were transported to the project, then installed and filled with concrete on-site. Advantage Steel fabricated weathering cambered structural steel, including zone painting, and then erected the material on-site. Precast also fabricated a concrete outlook slab at the center of the bridge to allow for pedestrians to pass golf carts, which can also be used for photo opportunities for events at the club. The wood timber deck and cart curb were installed along with a lighted, stainless steel cable railing. The abutments were backfilled, new gabion baskets were installed along the banks of the lake near the structure, and the approach cart paths to the bridge were paved.
Architecturally, the bridge seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of the golf course. A plaque honoring Mr. Kosar will also be hung in the clubhouse, ensuring that his legacy is not only remembered but celebrated by generations of golf enthusiasts. This bridge, however, is not merely a testament to architectural expertise; it is a heartfelt tribute to a cherished friend, a wise business mentor, and a long-time member of the Butler Country Club.
