Bridge replacement put on hold for assessment

Times Reporter

 

The Town of Strathmore engineering department was surprised when they opened tenders for the bridge replacement work for George Freeman Trail. 

The expected figure was near the $500,000 mark, but instead the lowest tender was closer to $750,000. The design contract had been awarded to CIMA in August, and the hope was to complete the necessary repairs this fall. 

Chuck Renkas, project coordinator, said he would feel more comfortable getting an assessment done to see what the current condition of the bridge is, and if its life can be extended instead of spending $750,000. 

Renkas said an assessment would be free through CIMA Canada. They would do an inspection and provide a report as part of their existing contract with the town.

As soon as the canal is free of water, CIMA will be able to inspect and assess the condition of the bridge. Once completed, if repairs are needed, work can be started quickly, potentially finishing three to six weeks later, with traffic disruptions while the work is being done.  

Jesse Parker, Director of Engineering and Operations, said staff recognize some surface work needs to be done, but don’t feel a whole bridge replacement is necessary. 

The scope of work was to put in two new three metre metal culverts. For the time being an assessment will be done to determine what will be done next, whether it’s a delay or repairs.