Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Region of Waterloo is replacing a 63-year-old bridge in Woolwich Township. The Scheifele Bridge is on Northfield Drive going over the Conestogo River. An environmental assessment was completed for the project in 2023 to determine the most practical and cost-effective options for widening and reconstructing the current bridge to accommodate future traffic volumes and enhanced pedestrian, buggy and cycling facilities.
The chosen design includes paved shoulders for buggies and cyclists on both sides and a sidewalk with a concrete barrier separating pedestrians from traffic on the east side of the bridge.
Construction is set to begin June 1 at a cost of about $24 million. Regional officials are aiming for a 2028 completion.
Originally built in 1963, the structure has been repaired many times over the years.
During public consultations, area residents and the Mennonite community raised concerns about traffic flow during construction, controlling speed on the bridge, which is heavily travelled by buggies and cyclists, and protecting wetland areas.
