A pair of proposed bridge replacements in Centre Wellington with a combined potential cost of $2.4 million will likely remain on hold until other government funding becomes available.
Last month, Centre Wellington council authorized staff to issue notice of study completion for the two bridges – one in former West Garafraxa Township and the other in former Pilkington.
The Class Environmental Assessments for bridges 27-WG and 24-P included public and agency consultation, natural environment assessments, selection of evaluation criteria, qualitative analyses of alternatives, and the identification of the preferred alternative: replacement of both structures with new concrete girder bridges.
Built in 1918, Bridge 27-WG is a concrete bowstring arch bridge spanning Irvine Creek on Sideroad 20 in the former township of West Garafraxa. It is nearing the end of its service life.
Bridge 24-P is a concrete girder structure spanning Carroll Creek and is located on 3rd Line between Sideroad 5 and Wellington Road 17 in Pilkington. In 2012, the bridge reached the end of its service life and was closed to traffic.
The estimated cost to replace the structures with concrete girder bridges is $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
Replacement of Bridge 27-WG is included the capital forecast for 2016 while the 24-P bridge is slated for 2019.
However, the report issued to council states the township generally relies on federal and provincial grant funding for the replacement of bridges.
Currently, no funds are available to replace these bridges.
There is however, sufficient funds for the detailed design of these bridges to ensure the projects are “shovel ready” in the event a grant program becomes available in the future.
Councillor Kelly Linton, commenting on 27-WG, said the township heritage committee keeps a close tab on heritage bridges, though that particular one is not on the list of those to be considered for protection.
He just wanted to ensure the heritage committee had a chance to review the process.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said similar discussions are raised at the Grand River Conservation Authority when heritage bridges are reviewed.
