Council approved tenders totaling about $90,000 for work on four rural bridges at the Sept. 14 meeting.
While the work will mean more road closures at the end of what has been a busy construction season in the area, public works director Jamie Morgan explained the projects are part of a proactive approach designed to save money down the road.
Repairs to the bridge decks for three bridges along the 16th Line and one bridge on the 12th Line are required due to numerous potholes, Morgan told council.
“The spalling and delaminated areas on these bridge decks have become a maintenance nuisance for township staff and if unrepaired can lead to premature deterioration of the deck and the deck reinforcement,” said Morgan.
He told council past practice of filling potholes with cold mix is not effective in terms of extending the life of structures, which can cost as much as $1 million to replace.
“The idea is about catching these structures before they are going to cost a lot of money,” said Morgan, who estimated work on the 16th line would require three or four weeks, while the 12th Line could be expected to be closed for a week or two.
“Time is of the essence as cooler temperatures are upon us. The longer these spalling and delaminated concrete areas go without repair the more expensive the repair will become,” the report states.
Council approved a resolution to accept the tender from Reeves Construction Ltd. for $91,108.
Funds will be drawn from reserves, as the work was not budgeted.
