Centre Wellington will be closing two bridges early this year.
In December, councillors approved the closure of the bridge on Third Line West, Pilkington (structure 24-P) and another one on Washington Street in Salem.
The decision followed a report by Adam Dickieson, engineering services coordinator, who asked council to support the closure of the two structures to traffic until such time as they can be replaced.
Inspections conducted by McCormick Rankin Corporation (MRC) provided recommendations for posted load limits, repairs, rehabilitation, and bridge closures for all township roads and bridges.
The report stated the condition of the Third Line West bridge has deteriorated significantly since the last bridge inspection in 2010 and is currently in extremely poor state of repair.
The existing load limit on the bridge is already low (six tons) and there are a number of roadside safety deficiencies on the bridge. Due to the very poor condition of the structure and the roadside safety deficiencies, full closure was recommended.
The report also stated the condition of the Washington Street bridge has also deteriorated significantly since the last inspection in 2010 and is currently in extremely poor condition.
The recommended load limit on the bridge is low (five tons) and due to the very poor condition of the structure, full closure was recommended.
Dickieson added residents in the vicinity of the Washington Street bridge have requested the municipality keep the bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists.
“Given the advanced state of erosion present beneath the bridge abutments and retaining walls, MRC has recommended that remedial measures be implemented in order to allow for continued pedestrian and cyclist use,” Dickieson told council.
He said staff will provide notification of the bridge closures to the various emergency services and agencies which use the Salem bridge.
In addition, information signs will be posted at each of the two bridge locations to inform local residents of the pending closures.
The bridges will be closed in early January, which township officials said in December would allow public works staff an opportunity to construct turnaround areas and install notification signage and appropriate barriers.
Until the time of closure, staff will conduct weekly visual inspections to monitor the condition of the bridges.
Dickieson suggested sufficient funds are available for the supply and installation of signage and barriers and road modifications under the Bridge Condition Assessment and Remediation capital project approved in the 2012 Budget.
Repairs to the Washington Street bridge abutments and retaining walls will be included in the township’s 2013 bridge repair and rehabilitation program.
Councillor Kelly Linton said closing “a bridge which appears to be falling down” would be welcomed by area residents, especially since it was being used as a detour while the other bridge in Salem had been closed for repair.
Linton congratulated staff on recognizing the community by allowing the structure to continue to be used as a pedestrian crossing.
“That will be well received by citizens in Salem,” said Linton.
Following liability questions, staff made it clear the closures were for vehicular traffic – in part due to load issues. The road would be closed as a public highway. Some repair work is still needed to the Salem bridge to allow its continued use as a pedestrian bridge.
