Next steps taken for Salem bridge rebuild

An Environmental Assessment is the first step in next year’s rebuild of the Salem bridge.

In his update on Wellington County projects on Dec. 12, Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton said the Salem bridge is going to be rebuilt next year.

Linton said the bridge on Wellington County Road 18 was last built in 1952. Currently it is load-posted at 18 to 35 tonnes.

“It is set to be rebuilt next year, but first an environmental assessment needs to be completed,” he said.

The study will confirm and document the existing structural deficiencies and identify alternative solutions, including rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge, and evaluate associated environmental impacts.

Linton stressed that public consultation will be part of the process.

The bridge is a single span steel half-through (pony) truss structure with a concrete deck over Irvine Creek.