FAQs

The Township currently has 44 bridges and large culvert assets that have a span (length of crossing) that is 3.0m or greater. All of these structures are required to be inspected by a qualified engineer once every two years under Ontario Regulation 104/97 Standards for Bridges. All inspection procedures follow the outline of the Ontario Structure Inspection Manual. 

In 2021, the Fish Creek Bridge was last inspected by D. M. Wills and the findings indicated that the structure components are in poor condition overall. The engineering report recommended the replacement of various components including the abutments (footings), deck and barrier systems. Replacement of the Fish Creek Bridge is considered a top bridge priority within the Township’s Asset Management Plan.

The Township has completed numerous studies to date for the crossing that include:

• Geotechnical Investigations – to assess the type of soils in the design area and provide guidance for bridge design (footings) and roadworks
• Hydraulics/ Hydrology – considers the design flow return period for bridges on low volume roads of 50 years (Ministry of Transportation Highway Drainage Design Flows
• Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment – evaluates the archaeological potential of the study area and presents recommendations for mitigation of any known or potential archaeological resources

Yes. All new bridge construction work must follow the design standards contained within the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. A single lane bridge must have a minimum clear width of 5.0m between barriers. A two-way rural bridge would similarly have a minimum width of 7.0m. The Township will consider widening the crossing to two lanes to support traffic over the 75-year life of the new structure.

All new bridge designs for the crossing will allow for the maximum allowable vehicle weights permitted under Part VIII of the Highway Traffic Act. Existing load postings per axle group will be removed in the future.

The Fish Creek Bridge is considered by Transport Canada to be a navigable waterway. When Bob’s Lake is low, this area can generally be navigated by small watercraft. The design for any bridge alternative will need to ensure that the navigable opening is not reduced in any manner. Transport Canada will be evaluating any proposals submitted for permits prior to advancement to construction

The bridge replacement will not include the placement of any new structures or fill within the adjacent waterways; however mitigation efforts will be included in the project to protect the adjacent lake and shoreline environment. Consultations with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and other agencies will provide direction on project timing, water restrictions and/or measures to be included in the work area to protect the environmental.

The typical timeline for bridge replacements of this scale is 8 to 10 weeks (weather permitting) however the time will be heavily dependent on the final design selected for the project. The Township will have better information on the timelines for the work once all of the stages of consultation have been completed with the public, indigenous groups and provincial/federal agencies.

The reconstruction of the bridge is forecasted for 2024, however public and indigenous consultation, provincial and federal review and construction permits will need to be obtained before the project can proceed to tendering.

Businesses or residents interested in the project are encouraged to subscribe or follow this project on-line to stay up to date on the progress. A future public meeting will be advertised at a later date to provide residents with more information about the project and to provide opportunity for feedback on any recommended designs.  

Other options include reaching out by phone or email to 613-376-3027 Ext. 4331 or by email at pwsupport@southfrontenac.net with contact information for your property. This will help the Township keep you informed as the project continues. Email addresses can be used to push information updates, however individual addresses will not be shared for any other purpose. Please use the subject line “Fish Creek Bridge Reconstruction”.