Elbow Creek Bridge Replacement (Trail Closure)

The County of Frontenac is replacing the K&P Trail bridge located at Elbow Creek. To facilitate this work, the K&P Trail will be closed between Ball Road to Fish Creek Road beginning on October 2, 2023. The K&P Trail will be closed between KM 56 near Ball Road and Fish Creek Road (approximately KM 59.5) to all users. This 3.5 kilometre closure is to facilitate the access of construction equipment to the project sites and to ensure that the public is not at risk during the process of replacing the bridges. Please plan your trail trips accordingly and enjoy the other sections of the K&P trail during the closure this fall.

For K&P Trail maps https://www.frontenaccounty.ca/en/things-to-do/kp-trail.aspx#

Background

The Elbow Creek Bridge was constructed in 2015 along with the Fish Creek Bridge using a proprietary system of prefabricated bridge construction, consisting of fibreglass and wood. In 2017 it was discovered that the Fish Creek Bridge was failing as the material sealing the bridge deck was permitting water inside the structure, causing the wood to expand and push against the construction. The deck of this bridge was replaced in August of 2018.

During the spring of 2021, it was discovered that a similar structural failure was taking place on the Elbow Creek Bridge. Subsequent investigations revealed that the bridge can support significant static loads but that it is in a deteriorating condition. In response, the County has had the bridge monitored by professional engineers and limited the size of vehicles using the bridge. After evaluating several recommendations for replacement, it was determined that the purchase and placement of a prefabricated structure with a load limit of 12 tonnes would be the most cost-effective solution without impacting the operation of the trail.

The work of replacing the bridge is expected to take 6-8 weeks, and will require a complete closure of the trail at Elbow Creek. As such, the work and trail closure has been scheduled during late fall, a very slow time for trail traffic. This schedule also permits space for additional weeks of work, if necessary, in late November prior to freeze-up or snowmobile season.

Oclean Lane

The Township of Central Frontenac is also replacing the bridge at Oclean Lane on a similar schedule. The Oclean Lane bridge is located near the Elbow Creek Bridge, and in order to realize any possible efficiencies the contract for site works was jointly tendered and awarded to the same contractor. Work at both locations will take place during the closure period.

Funding Support & Partnership

The replacement of the Elbow Creek bridge has been made possible with financial assistance from the Trans Canada Trail, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and the Verona District ATV Club.