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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