Many Clearview bridges in need of repair
Clearview Township should plan to spend $11,750,000 for necessary bridge repairs in the next five years.
In a recent report to council this week, Jeremy Cober, an engineer with R.J. Burnside and Associates said the latest inspections show that of the municipality’s 73 bridges and culverts greater than three metres in span, seven are classed as being in poor condition, 21 are fair and 45 are in good shape. Provincial legislation requires bridges to be inspected every two years. The process examines elements such as bridge abutments, decking, beams and barriers, notes areas requiring improvements, and suggests maintenance. Cober says bridges are graded on a scale from one to 100, with a Bridge Condition Index (BCI) of 100 being the ideal.
“Repairs are generally planned when the BCI dips below 60,” he said. “Below 40 it typically makes more sense to replace the bridge. If repairs are delayed when a bridge hits a BCI of 60 it may become uneconomical to repair it and replacement is required.”
In addition to BCI, factors such as traffic volume, road geometry, load limits, projected growth and history of accidents are all considered when prioritizing bridge projects.
Cober says the total replacement value of all 73 surveyed structures in Clearview would be about $86,000,000.
“The typical lifespan of a bridge is about 75 years, and significant repairs are normally made around the 35- to 40-year mark. In a typical year, that means two bridges slated for repair and one for replacement,” he said.
In 2024, inspections identified six bridges in need of repair over the next five years, and seven in need of replacement.
Priorities for the coming construction season include:
- Bridge 118-15, Klondike Park Road BCI 56.2 Estimated repair cost $650,000
- Bridge 177 – 39 6th line Nottawasaga BCI 45.98 Extimated repair cost $760,000
- Bridge 806 – 70 Hogback Roadd BCI 57.91 Estimated repair cost $900,000
- Bridge 342 – 01 2nd Concession Sunnidale CLOSED in 2021 BCI 44.71 Replacement cost $780,000
- Bridge 175 – 35 6th line Nottawasaga BCI 37.02 Replacement cost $560,000
- Bridge 752 – 28 Mowat Street BCI 52.59 Replacement cost $1,000,000
Meanwhile, work on the Collingwood Street bridge in Creemore has come to a halt.
Public Works Director Dan Perreault says, “The bridge deck concrete was poured before winter set in. The remaining works will include bridge railings, retaining wall construction, road rebuild and finishing.”
It is anticipated that the work will be completed by mid-summer.
