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

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This project supports the Region of Waterloo's strategic focus area(s): An icon representing the Region's strategic focus area Sustainable transportation.

Cyclist on road at Scheifele bridgeThe 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 bridge 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.

This project supports the Region of Waterloo's strategic focus area(s): An icon representing the Region's strategic focus area Sustainable transportation.

Cyclist on road at Scheifele bridgeThe 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 bridge 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.

  • Project Update

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    Notice of Completion - November 20, 2023

    The Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be placed on the public record for a 30-day review period in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, from November 20th, 2023 to December 20th, 2023. Subject to comments received as a result of this notice and necessary approvals, the project may proceed to construction as scheduled. The ESR will also be available under the "Notice of Completion and Environmental Study Report (ESR)" section of this project page.

    The project team developed a recommended design that was presented at the September 12, 2023 Planning and Works Committee for review, and to Council for final approval on September, 27, 2023.

    The recommended design was the outcome of the technical studies conducted, best practices used in the industry, staff’s expertise in bridge and road design, and public input from three public meetings. Material from the three public meetings can be found under the "Public Consultation Centre 1, 2 & 3 Documents" section of this project page.

    The recommended design includes:

    • Two 3.35 metre-wide traffic lanes
    • Two 2.45 metre-wide paved shared-use shoulders for buggies and cyclists
    • A 1.8 m wide pedestrian sidewalk on the east side only, protected from traffic by a concrete barrier wall
    • A decorative pedestrian handrail alongside the sidewalk
    • A protective barrier wall on the west side of the structure
    • Reconstruction of Northfield Drive at each end of the bridge
    • Four stages during the bridge replacement so traffic is maintained on Northfield Drive during construction


    Construction is expected to start in 2025 and be completed in 2027 pending Council approval.




Page last updated: 08 Feb 2024, 11:15 AM