WELLINGTON NORTH – The County of Wellington has announced a plan for a study to address the condition of four bridges on Wellington Road 109 between Highway 6 and Sideroad 7, southeast of Arthur.
A notice from the county’s roads department indicates a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study has been initiated to consider options “to address the poor condition” of the four bridges crossing the Conestogo River.
“The bridges at all four crossings are in an advanced state of deterioration with some elements identified as not meeting current standards,” roads department officials state.
The bridges were constructed between 1930 and 1934 by the provincial transportation ministry. Wellington County took over ownership when that section of the former Highway 9 was downloaded from the province to the county in 1998.
The bridges have been inspected every two years under the direction of a professional engineer using the Ministry’s Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM).
Based on the inspection findings the county is planning for improvements to these bridges. Given their close proximity the planning and design of all four bridges will be completed under one Class EA Study, the county notes on its website.
“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,” county officials note.
To mitigate those challenges, the notice states, the county is considering various options including rehabilitation and/or replacements of the bridges.
“The county will also consider the feasibility and cost, for comparison purposes, of a localized permanent realignment of Wellington Road 109 that would eliminate or reduce the multiple crossings and the need for future works,” the notice indicates.
