History of the Riversdale Bridge Project
In 2018, GM BluePlan was contracted to do the bridge and culvert inspections in Brant and Greenock. A 'Bridge Review Report' was submitted for each structure. The Riverdale Bridge, which was reportedly constructed in the early 1900’s, replacing the bridge that was previously built, has been recommended for closure, removal and/or replacement since 2014 and had repair work completed in 2003 and 2012. These repairs included several steel truss members, steel stringers and braces, the ballast wall and the timber deck.
The Municipal Engineers Association (MEA), in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), has developed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process to assist in planning projects of this nature.
The EA planning process develops a Project Statement, considers alternative solutions, and documents the public consultation process toward the selection by Council of a Preferred Solution to the Project Statement in a Project File. Public consultation is the final step in the EA process.
| Public Consultation Meeting - November 9, 2020 |
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The Municipality of Brockton is advancing project specific planning to address the deteriorated condition of Bridge No.2 (Greenock) on Bridge Street in Riversdale, just north of Highway 9. The Municipality has identified advanced deterioration of the superstructure and substructure, including severe section loss in the floor beams and significant corrosion of the concrete and steel elements throughout. As a result, the bridge was recently closed to all traffic. The project is being planned under Schedule ‘B’ of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), as outlined in the Municipal Class EA Manual prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association (2015). Alternative solutions that were considered for the structure included the following: 1. Do Nothing; Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this meeting was held virtually using Zoom video conferencing. You can watch the public meeting here: Public Information Session, November 9th, 2020. |
| Council Decisions Regarding Riversdale Bridge |
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On May 12, 2020, Report PW2020-13 was brought to Brockton Council requesting the immediate closure of the Riversdale Bridge. GM Blue Plan provided their recommendation of closure. On June 23, 2020, Report PW2020-17 was brought to Brockton Council providing Council information regarding correspondence that had been received by staff from residents in the Riversdale area. GM Blue Plan provided their recommendation with regards to Load Restrictions. On October 13, 2020, Report PW2020-29 was brought to Brockton Council which provided Council with an update on the process of which is being taken for the Riversdale Bridge. On February 9, 2021, Report PW2021-02 was brought to Brockton Council following a delegation presentation by GM Blue Plan regarding their findings from the Environmental Assessment and their recommendation. Council decided to move forward with replacing the bridge, however whether the bridge will be replaced with a one or two lane structure will be determined at a later date. A voiceover version of GM BluePlan's presentation is also available to watch: On March 23, 2021, Report PW2021-07 was brought to Brockton Council which provided Council more information on the one or two lane structure options. Council decided to move forward with replacing the Riversdale Bridge with a two lane structure as per GM Blue Plans Letter of Recommendation |
Staff received notice from GM Blue Plan regarding their recommendation of the closure of the Riversdale Bridge on May 11, 2020. This recommendation was approved by Council on May 12, 2020.
On June 1, 2020 the bridge was closed to all traffic.
On October 22, 2020 the Historic Saugeen Metis, Great Lakes Metis Council, Saugeen First Nation, Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation were notified of the Notice of Project Initiation and the Public Information Centre Virtual Meeting.
On October 22, 2020 a Notice of Project Initiation and information regarding the Public Information Centre Virtual Meeting was sent to residents surrounding the Riversdale Bridge.
On October 22, 2020 and October 29, 2020 a Notice of Project Initiation and information regarding the Public Information Centre Virtual Meeting was published in the Hanover Post and the Walkerton Herald Times.
On November 9, 2020 a Public Information Centre Virtual Meeting was held, viewing details for the public meeting are above.
November 23, 2020 was the final day to submit public comments.
On February 9, 2021 GM Blue Plan presented to Council regarding the Riversdale Bridge findings and a recommendation based on these findings. Council decided to move forward with replacing the bridge, however whether the bridge will be replaced with a one or two lane structure will be determined at a later date.
On March 23, 2021 Brockton Council decided to replace the Riversdale with a two lane structure as per the recommendation from GM Blue Plan
On April 1, 2021 GM Blue Plan issued the Notice of Completion of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. This notice initiates a 30 day comment period where interested persons may provide written comment to our team below. Please read the Notice of Completion for more information on the commenting period.
May 3, 2021 is the final day to submit comments as per the Notice of Completion commenting period.
November 23, 2021 Brockton Council will receive a report from staff requesting confirmation on which type of bridge structure will be tendered.
Notices, Reports and Information
- Bridge Closure Recommendation
- Schedule B: Notice of Project Initiation
- Two Lane Structure Recommendation
- Notice of Completion
- Schedule B: EA Project File (version 2) Please note 46MB file size (850 pages)
For Additional Information
Please contact our Director of Operations, Nicholas Schnurr at 519-881-2223 Ext. 134, or our consultant, Brent Willis, P.Eng. of GM BluePlan Engineering Limited at 519-376-1805 if you have any questions, comments, or require additional information.
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