The replacement of Stroy’s Bridge in Puslinch may not be as expensive as originally thought.
Wray Hutton lives near the bridge, which spans the Speed River on a closed portion of Sideroad 10 about one kilometre north of Laird Road West.
He recently presented council with an estimate of $153,298 to remove the existing bridge and replace it with a six foot wide “eagle” pedestrian bridge, using cement piers.
Last year Hans Groh, a township consultant with Gamsby and Mannerow, provided three possible options for the bridge:
– removal of structure and a concrete culvert for $145,000;
– rehabilitation for pedestrian use and culvert replacement for $199,000; and
– removal and replacement with new pedestrian access and new culvert for $550,000.
Hutton told council he originally supported rehabilitation of the current bridge. But given the quotes he was provided by “two contractors who have experience with projects of this nature,” it makes sense to proceed with a new pedestrian bridge.
The current, century-old structure was closed to vehicular traffic in the early 1990s. It remained open to pedestrian traffic until further deterioration caused the township to close it entirely in 2008.
Councillor Susan Fielding thanked Hutton for his input and suggested including his quote in correspondence to Gamsby and Mannerow. She said his proposal sounds like a good idea and seems feasible.
Councillor Wayne Stokley wondered about the “great discrepancy” in the figures from Hutton and Groh. He said officials need to find some common ground and get as much input on the matter as possible.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt wanted to know how many people use the bridge. Hutton said 40 to 50 cars are parked by the bridge on the weekends, and a number of cyclists also use the structure.
“I use it every day,” Hutton added.
Mayor Dennis Lever said the township will host a public meeting about Stroy’s Bridge to look at the proposals from Groh and Hutton and also to get feedback from residents.
