The Eramosa township bowstring bridge was removed in 2004 because it needed replacing after many years – and it still needs repairs.
County council has authorized the Wellington County Museum and Archives staff to undertake some maintenance on that bridge, and also to obtain bids to do significant structural repair work to replace concrete on it.
The bridge was taken down in 2004, and moved to the county museum and displayed outdoors as an example of that type of bridge architecture.
County council supported the recommendation from its information, heritage and seniors committee on June 30.
Wellington Place administrator Janice Hindley said in her report to the committee that the reinforced concrete structure needs repairs ranging from minor to significant. She provided photos that showed concrete loss and exposed steel rods, as well as rail and column losses.
Wellington County council accepted the bridge for its grounds at Wellington Place, near Wellington Terrace, where it sits on the walking trail.
Hindley said in her report the county has maintained the bridge in an “as is” condition since 2004, by removing rust from exposed rods and coating them with epoxy to prevent further corrosion.
She said the county has ensured the bridge is structurally safe, but staff “have not been instructed to do any repairs or preservation measures.”
She predicted, “The bridge will continue to deteriorate due to environmental factors but an ongoing maintenance program will ensure its preservation Cracking and spalling of the concrete will continue with time, but ongoing, sensitive repairs will extend its life.”
Hindley also said the bridge is “a significant outdoor artifact that represents an architectural example of bow string bridge construction in Wellington County.
It is a pubic exhibit that warrants attention if it is going to remain on site.”
She explained staff can do a great deal of the repairs, and once those are done, the staff can evaluate what additional areas can then be undertaken in-house.
But, Hindley said, “Significant structural losses that require concrete form work would be done by a reputable contractor with experience in preservation projects on historic structures.”
She added staff would assist where necessary, including performing the colour matching of the new concrete if required.
Council agreed to her proposals, and gave permission for staff to obtain bids for restoration work if extra work is required.
