Woolwich: Scheifele Bridge Superstructure Replacement - Northfield Drive Over The Conestogo River

The Scheifele Bridge was built in 1960 and is a four span structure on Northfield Drive which is located 800 metres north of University Avenue and carries two lanes of traffic over the Conestogo River in the Township of Woolwich.

The bridge underwent a major rehabilitation in 1982 and minor repairs in 2011, however the superstructure has since deteriorated to a state in which it now requires replacement.

The Region of Waterloo has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment Study (Class EA) and preliminary design for the superstructure replacement which will investigate practical and cost-effective alternatives for widening and reconstruction of the current bridge to accommodate future traffic volumes and enhanced pedestrian, buggy and cycling facilities.

The study will focus heavily on options for traffic management during reconstruction of the bridge, in recognition of the significant negative impacts that an extended closure of Northfield Drive would have on the community. The aesthetics of the bridge and surrounding area will also play an important role in the study evaluations.

The study will be conducted in accordance with Schedule “C” requirements as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association "Municipal Class Environmental Assessment," (October 2000, as amended to 2015). This is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA process includes public/external agency consultation, an evaluation of alternative solutions and alternative design concepts, an assessment of potential impacts associated with the proposed improvements, and development of measures to mitigate identified impacts.