Project Overview

Bridge 37/B-OXF, a metal truss bridge crossing the Nith River on Oxford Waterloo Road, located approximately 30m west of River Road, was closed in 2022 to prevent detours around the Bridge Street Bridge reconstruction project. In 2022 there were planned minor repairs budgeted, but these works were deferred for future consideration once Bridge Street Bridge was re-opened and a long-term plan for Bridge 37/B was endorsed by Council.

At the May 27th council meeting, Township staff presented a follow-up report (IS-2024-15) reviewing three options for the bridge's future. Council directed staff to explore Option 2, which focuses on converting the bridge for pedestrian and bicycle use, including a summary of operating and capital costs.

Township staff have since completed preliminary designs for two scenarios that align with the objective of Option 2, outlined below.

1. A multi-use trail beginning east of the existing field entrance to property 966654 Oxford Waterloo Road, Plattsville and ending on the east side of the bridge, terminating before the intersection of River Road. A traffic turnaround for road maintenance purposes will be established on the west side of the bridge, just west of the start of the proposed trail and east of the field entrance to the adjacent property.

2. A multi-use trail beginning just east of the existing driveway access to property 966637 Oxford Waterloo Road, Plattsville continuing over the bridge and terminating before the intersection of River Road with a proposed turnaround for road maintenance purposes located just west of the beginning of the trail section on the west side of the bridge. This option would provide a lengthier multi-use trail in comparison to option 1.

In both cases, two vehicle barricades will be implemented, one on the west side of the bridge, at the west end of the trail and another on the east side of the bridge west of the River Road intersection. The barricades would allow for pedestrians, cyclists and off-highway recreational vehicles to continue to cross the Nith River at this location. These options have been provided to prolong the bridge’s serviceability, while reducing major capital needs and expected annual maintenance and repair needs.

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