Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Regional Municipality of Durham, with the support of the Township of Brock and on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, will be temporarily replacing the Beaver River Bridge until a permanent replacement can be constructed.
Algonquin Bridge, part of the Atlantic Industries Limited group of companies, has been retained and is beginning the design of the temporary bridge. Construction of the temporary bridge is expected to begin this summer and targeted for completion by early fall. The permanent bridge is planned for tender in fall 2025, with construction being planned for spring 2026 until summer 2027.
The Beaver River Bridge connects Regional Road 15 over the Beaver River, in the Township of Brock. The bridge has been closed since November 16, 2023. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation will fund the project, and Regional Council has declared the bridge closure an emergency and authorized staff to immediately proceed with the design and construction of a temporary bridge.
The Beaver River Bridge Replacement Project is identified as a priority due to the original bridge’s end of service life and the importance of the bridge for the community.
A temporary bridge concept has been reviewed for the site, which would consist of a pre-engineered modular bridge system. These portable, prefabricated, truss bridges are commonly used for permanent or temporary applications such as staging during bridge replacements or emergency rental bridges.
To construct the temporary bridge, the existing bridge will be entirely removed, and temporary foundations will be built. In addition, roadworks to tie into the temporary bridge will be needed.