Council has authorized staff to retain the services of R.J. Burnside and Associates to complete an environmental assessment for the replacement of a bridge on Sideroad 17 at a cost of $113,850 plus HST.
The engineering firm’s proposal scored highest of three submitted on a scale incorporating both cost and technical elements, public works director and acting CAO/clerk Brad McRoberts explained in a report to council on July 14.
McRoberts noted the bridge, near Glen Allan, was identified for replacement in the township’s 2014 municipal bridge inspection report. The environmental assessment is required “due to the heritage value of the structure and the likely need to increase the hydraulic capacity,” the report states.
The bridge is a concrete bowstring arch structure believed to have been built between 1910 and 1930.
“The structure should be replaced as soon as possible, although given the heritage aspects associated with this bridge, rehabilitation should be considered as a possible option,” states the 2014 inspection report prepared by R.J. Burnside. “Unfortunately the structure has deteriorated to a point where rehabilitation costs are almost equal to replacement costs.”
‘A lot of money’
The proposed cost submitted by R.J. Burnside and Associates for the assessment “is within the typical 10 to 15% of capital cost usually assigned to these projects,” McRoberts pointed out.
The total 2015-16 capital budget for the project is approximately $828,000.
Councillor Michael Martin stated the assessment cost “seems like a lot of money,” and he asked what triggered the need for it.
McRoberts explained the capacity increase was one of the triggers and “if a structure has some heritage value then that also triggers an environmental assessment.”
“If any heritage society would like to come along and pick up that bridge they’d be welcome,” quipped Mayor Neil Driscoll.
Councillor Lori Woodham questioned spending $100,000 “on a road I would say does not get a lot of traffic.”
McRoberts said the condition of the bridge makes it a “top priority” for the township.
“It’s currently on a two-tonne load limit. Our plows cannot currently traverse this road,” he pointed out.
A resolution to authorize the environmental assessment passed with Woodham opposed.
