Bruce County has approved two alternate truck routes that will be in effect during the rehabilitation of the Durham Street bridge.
The bridge underwent an inspection over the summer to assess the condition of the bridge.
The inspection resulted in the finding that the soffit and girders of the bridge were showing signs of delamination, and there were indications of leaking in the half-joints of the structure.
Despite issues that were found, the bridge was found to be structurally sound, making rehabilitation a viable option rather than needing to replace the bridge.
In the meantime, a load limit would be in place for the bridge to prevent further damage.
The county’s Transportation and Environmental Service department is putting the alternate routes in place, along with weight restrictions that apply to vehicles greater than 15, 25, and 30 tonnes with corresponding axles.
A letter provided by sub-consultants, Burgess Engineering, recommends that Heavy Truck Traffic, with exceptions to Municipal maintenance and Fire/EMS vehicles, should be restricted from crossing the bridge and that an alternate truck route (ATR) be established until rehabilitation/repairs are made to the bridge.