The fate of Stroy’s bridge remains uncertain, but after seeing cost estimates, at least two councillors favour rehabilitation – or maybe even replacement – over removal of the structure.
The century-old bridge, which spans the Speed River on a closed portion of Sideroad 10 about one kilometre north of Laird Road West, was closed to vehicular traffic in the early 1990s and remained open to pedestrian traffic until further deterioration caused the township to close it entirely in 2008.
Originally, the township had wanted to demolish the bridge, which required an environmental assessment, but within the last 12 months a campaign to save the structure as a pedestrian bridge has gained steam, both on council and in the community.
In December councillors asked Hans Groh, a township consultant with the engineering firm Gamsby and Mannerow, to provide them with a cost-benefit analysis for the bridge that includes rehabilitation and replacement – and not just removal.
At its last meeting in April council reviewed a report provided by Amanda Pepping, of Gamsby and Mannerow, outlining the following options for the bridge:
– removal of structure and concrete culvert, $145,000;
– rehabilitation for pedestrian use and culvert replacement, $199,000; and
– removal and replacement with new pedestrian access and new culvert, $550,000.
“I would like to look at option two,” councillor Dick Visser said.
He noted if removal is going to cost $145,000 the township could search for other funding sources to cover the additional $54,000 required to rehabilitate the bridge.
Mayor Brad Whitcombe said the municipality should investigate to see if any such funding exists.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer suggested an Ontario Trillium Fund Grant might be the way to go, if the municipality could find a partner for the application.
Bulmer opined that the $550,000 price tag for replacement seems high, and wondered aloud if that might be because Gamsby and Mannerow officials are opposed to that plan.
Visser agreed, saying he thinks the report was “skewed” towards removal of the bridge.
Whitcombe warned councillors about making accusations about a firm that has done good work for the township.
In her report, Pepping noted that rehabilitation of the bridge “should only be considered a temporary measure … due to the age and condition of the [bridge].”
She said, “If the township wishes to maintain access across the Speed River, it is our opinion that the existing structure should be removed and a new pedestrian access constructed.”
A 1993 report from Gamsby and Mannerow, which indicated “it was only a matter of time before [the bridge abutments] fell into the river,” quoted a replacement price at that time of $510,000.
Whitcombe said council should discuss the options in further detail with Groh and Pepping.
Visser added he would also be discussing the matter with Puslinch residents to get their feedback.
