Ontario Construction News staff writer
The District Municipality of Muskoka says it has selected Clearwater Construction Inc. to complete the rehabilitation of the historic Silver Bridge in Bracebridge.
District officials are finalizing contract details, with construction staging and rehabilitation design expected to begin immediately.
“I’m incredibly pleased that collaboration between District staff and our industry partners has allowed us to make such significant progress in such a short time,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “Everyone involved clearly understood how important this infrastructure is to the community and worked quickly to move the project forward.”
Initial on-site work is expected to begin before the end of the year, allowing construction activity to continue through the winter, provided conditions remain safe and suitable for the crews.
Silver Bridge will remain closed to all traffic during the rehabilitation period. Preliminary schedules indicate the structure could reopen in the fourth quarter of 2026.
“The District selecting Clearwater Construction marks a major step toward returning the Silver Bridge to service,” said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney. “The bridge is an important transportation link for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We’re grateful to the community for their continued patience and understanding as this critical work moves forward safely.”
The Silver Bridge, located on Ecclestone Drive in downtown Bracebridge, spans the north branch of the Muskoka River near the Bracebridge Falls Dam. Built in the late 1920s, the three-span structure features two steel girder approach spans and a 46metre main “through truss” span, making it one of Muskoka’s few remaining heritage truss bridges.
The bridge underwent major rehabilitations in 1985 and 2001, which included deck repairs, truss strengthening, and recoating of steel members. Its distinctive design and silver finish have made it a longstanding landmark and symbol of Bracebridge’s history and identity.
Before selecting Clearwater Construction, the District undertook a detailed and deliberate process to ensure the bridge could be safely rehabilitated and that the most qualified contractor was chosen.
Work included:
- an in-depth analysis of the failed structural condition and assessing the feasibility of rehabilitation.
- evaluating how weight and loading were distributed across the bridge under the damaged condition.
- consulting with industry experts to determine the safest and most effective rehabilitation approach.
- requesting and reviewing expressions of interest from experienced heavy civil contractors and shortlisting the top three firms based on expertise and capacity.
- interviewing shortlisted contractors, clarifying scope, and reviewing detailed technical and cost proposals before selecting a preferred partner.
This new, two-stage selection process was designed to secure the best industry expertise at the best overall value, ensuring the rehabilitation is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest engineering standards.
For the latest project updates, contractor selection process, and background on the Silver Bridge rehabilitation, visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/silver-bridge.