West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich
Introduction
Have questions about upgrades to the West Montrose Covered Bridge? We'd like to hear from you. Feedback can be provided online by asking a question under the Questions tab.
Background
The Region of Waterloo is currently undertaking a Schedule "A+" Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for major structural upgrades to strengthen the West Montrose Covered Bridge in the Township of Woolwich.
This work stems from long-term monitoring and evaluation of the load-carrying capacity of the bridge. The full project timeline is shown at the right side of this page.
Brief history of the West Montrose Covered Bridge
1881. TheContinue reading
Introduction
Have questions about upgrades to the West Montrose Covered Bridge? We'd like to hear from you. Feedback can be provided online by asking a question under the Questions tab.
Background
The Region of Waterloo is currently undertaking a Schedule "A+" Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for major structural upgrades to strengthen the West Montrose Covered Bridge in the Township of Woolwich.
This work stems from long-term monitoring and evaluation of the load-carrying capacity of the bridge. The full project timeline is shown at the right side of this page.
Brief history of the West Montrose Covered Bridge
1881. The original bridge constructed. The two span bridge employs wooden trusses to support weight on the bridge.
1937 - 1998. The Ontario Department of Highways (DOH), now the Ministry of Transportation, assumes ownership of the bridge. The DOH undertakes miscellaneous work to strengthen the bridge, including the addition of steel World War II era bailey trusses, hidden from view by the use of white wood cladding.
1998. The Ministry of Transportation transfers ownership of the bridge to the Region of Waterloo.
1999 - 2014. The Region completes a number of major and minor rehabilitation projects. Long-term structural monitoring started in 2012.
2014 - 2019. The Region presents its 10-year Preservation Plan for the bridge. Improvement recommendations included: installation of fire and lightning protection ;regulatory and advisory signage improvements; approach barrier upgrades; bracing restoration; climate studies; survey sensor installation; sprinkler installation; illumination upgrades; floor beam strengthening; and overall structural strengthening. The Region begins to implement these recommendations.
2019. The Region completes the gathering of the long-term bridge monitoring data. A Structural Evaluation to the current Bridge Design Code is undertaken, using data gathered through long-term bridge monitoring.
2020. Region Council approves a structural rehabilitation plan for the bridge.
2020 - 2021. Detailed engineering design starts for the upgrades.
For a more detailed history of the bridge, please download the reports available in the right-hand panel.
Frequently asked questions
Please see the right-hand panel on this page for FAQ's and responses.
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Timeline
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2014 - Long-Term Preservation Plan
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stage -
2017 - Miscellaneous Upgrades
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stageFire Alarm System. Guide Rails. Load Posting Signs. Deck Resurfacing.
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2018 - Illumination System Upgrade
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stage -
2014-2018 - Long-Term Structural Behaviour Monitoring
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stage -
2019 - Data Compilation and Structural Evaluation
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stageEvaluation of structure capacity based on the Bridge Design Code.
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2019 - Recommended Major Structure Rehabilitation
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stageReplacement of key load-carrying components will allow the bridge to continue to serve the public for the next 100 years.
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2020 - Schedule A+ Project Start
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich has finished this stage -
2020-2021 - Detailed Engineering Design
West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich is currently at this stage -
2022 - Rehabilitation Construction
this is an upcoming stage for West Montrose Bridge Reconstruction - Woolwich
FAQs
- What will the major rehabilitation include?
- Will the bridge look the same as it does today?
- How much is this going to cost? Who is paying for this work?
- What happens if we don't do this major rehabilitation?
- What is the timeline for construction?
- Will I be able to use the bridge during construction?
Who's listening
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JS
Phone 519-575-4096 Email jstephenson@regionofwaterloo.ca
Notice of Collection
All comments and information provided become part of the review process and are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in completing the planning and design for the University Avenue Class EA and Reconstruction. All submissions will become part of the public record files for this matter. Personal information collected is under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to John Stephenson, Project Manager at jstephenson@regionofwaterloo or 519-575-4096 (TTY 519-575-4608).