WELLINGTON NORTH – The County of Wellington is seeking public input on an environmental assessment study of potential solutions to resolve the poor condition of four bridges southeast of Arthur.
The four Wellington Road 109 structures cross the Conestogo River between Highway 6 and Sideroad 7.
The county is considering “all options” including rehabilitation, replacement and permanent realignment of Wellington Road 109 to reduce bridge crossings, a May 27 notice from the county states.
The bridges – all “in an advanced state of deterioration” – are now upwards of 87 years old, having been constructed between 1930 and 1934, and no longer meet provincial structural standards.
“The county recognizes that efforts to improve the bridges will come with some challenges during construction for residents, business owners and travellers, particularly if construction extends over multiple years,” the county’s website states.
First announced in August of last year, the assessment process is now in phase three: examining alternative design concepts.
The study area for the four bridges is located southeast of Arthur. (Wellington County image)
Complete replacement of the bridges is recommended at an estimated “high-level” cost of $12 million, already accounted for in the county’s 10-year budget and with additional funds coming from a $4.2-million Canada Infrastructure Program grant.
An online “public information centre” package — providing updates, preferred plans, public comments and identifying next steps in the study — is now available on the county website.
Public comments on the information package, which will become public record, are being accepted until June 24.
