Bridges 2-WG, 3-E, 5-E, and 7-E combined Bridge & Transportation Network Study

A Bridge & Transportation Network Study is now underway. On June 10, 2024, a report was brought to Council outlining a study has been initiated that will evaluate the role of these structures within the overall transportation network and connectivity in the local community and determine the most suitable alternative at each location.

The Township of Centre Wellington is conducting a review of bridges 2-WG, 3-E, 5-E, and 7-E in a combined Bridge & Transportation Network Study. These structures are currently closed to vehicular traffic or have a posted load limit due to their deteriorated state. The goal of the study is to identify preferred alternatives for these bridges and recommend next steps.

As this study progresses the communities will be engaged through public meetings and outreach.

The Study Process

The Study is being conducted in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (March 2023, as amended) process. The Bridge & Transportation Network Study will confirm and document the existing structural deficiencies and identify alternative solutions, including removal and permanent closure, rehabilitation, or replacement of the structure. The environmental impacts of each alternative will be evaluated and a technically preferred alternative will be selected in consultation with the public, agencies, and Indigenous Communities.

• 4 Bridges within a 20km2 area of former West Garafraxa and Eramosa Townships
• Rural community
• Agricultural
• Industry
• Low volume roads
• Load limited structures on alternative roads

Public Information Centre (PIC) #1

At the Public Information Centre #1, background information on the project and the study was provided. The PIC was held on July 24, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00pm at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex - Gord Brown Hall (550 Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus).

Public Information Centre (PIC) #2

Public Information Centre #2 is scheduled for December 2, 2024, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex - Gord Brown Hall (550 Belsyde Avenue E, Fergus). At this meeting, the project team will provide an overview on the various study findings and provide the draft preferred alternatives that are under consideration.

Council Presentation - Preliminary Preferred Alternative (Monday, February 10, 2025)

Based on a detailed evaluation and considering feedback received through the consultation process, the preferred solution is Alternative 5 - Replacement of Bridges 2-WG, 5-E, and 7-E and the removal without replacement of Bridge 3-E. This solution has the following benefits:

• Provides improvements to emergency first response times
• Replace the three bridges with the most benefit to:
  • Travel times with agricultural equipment.
  • Simplified routes for deliveries, buses, municipal services, etc.
  • Commute times for local residents to surrounding areas.
• Reduces the need for agricultural equipment to travel arterial routes.
• Provides opportunities for use as emergency detour routes during closures of County Roads
• Allows opportunities for environmental improvements at bridge replacement sites.
• The solution was generally supported by the local community based on feedback from public consultation.

For more information, review the report to Council here.

Notice of Completion

Following receiving Council's support of the recommendation to replace Bridges 2-WG (Third Line), 5-E (Fourth Line), and 7-E (Third Line) and the removal without replacement of Bridge 3-E (Sixth Line) a Notice of Completion was circulated to interested parties such as residents within the Study Area, municipal agencies, emergency services, and local Indigenous Communities on February 14, 2025.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Study, or would like to be included on the mailing list to receive future notices and study updates, please contact one of the Project Team Members below:

Adam Dickieson (Engineering Services Coordinator | Township of Centre Wellington)

1 MacDonald Square, Elora, ON N0B 1S0

519-846-9691 x355 | adickieson@centrewellington.ca

Andrew Dawson, P. Eng. (Consultant Project Manager | R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd.)

292 Speedvale Ave W. #20, Guelph, ON N1H 1C4

707-797-4310 | Andrew.dawson@rjburnside.com