Project Updates - January 2024

Planning and Works Committee Meeting

Thanks to everyone who shared their comments and ideas on the proposed rehabilitation design for the West Montrose Covered Bridge. We will be taking the Recommended Design Concept to the Region’s Planning and Works Committee meeting on February 6, 2024 for final approval. The approval report can be found at this link.

Recommended design concept

The recommended design was the outcome of the technical studies conducted, a detailed alternatives assessment based on a set of evaluation criteria, and public input from three rounds of public engagement in October 2021, June 2022 and November 2023.

The Recommended Design Concept includes removal of the existing steel Bailey trusses, replacement of deteriorated wooden truss members and bridge elements, and reinforcing select members to accommodate a 10-tonne design vehicular live load. The three-tonne posted load limit will be maintained. To prevent oversized vehicles from accessing and damaging the bridge, an overhead height restriction bar is proposed on the north approach of the bridge.

The recommended design addresses public concerns we heard such as the need for replacement truss members to be entirely with new wood members. The project team also revised the recommended design to include narrowing the road on the south approach of the bridge by moving the wooden guiderails closer to each other in order to eliminate the need for the height restriction bar on the south approach (see link to concept of this).

Based on the public feedback received, the project team is not recommending a restriction of all motorized vehicles on the bridge at this time.

Following Regional Council approval of the recommended design concept, the Environmental Study Report for this Schedule ‘C’ Class Environmental Assessment will be filed for a 30-day review period. Construction is expected to start in 2025 and be completed in 2026 pending Regional Council approval.

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