Class Environmental Assessment for the Andrewsville Bridge

The Counties of Lanark and Leeds and Grenville are undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the review of alternatives for the Andrewsville Bridge, located in the hamlet of Andrewsville, over the Rideau River, approximately 5km north of the Village of Merrickville.  The options review is a priority for the Counties due to the bridge’s age and condition, posted weight restriction and seasonal operation, and its potential cultural and heritage value.  As part of the Environmental Assessment process, options for bridge reconstruction including the possible permanent decommissioning, will be reviewed to determine the preferred solution.

The project is being initiated in accordance with the latest edition of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Manual issued by the Municipal Engineers Association.  The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process applies to municipal infrastructure projects including road and bridge works.  This project is proceeding as a Schedule ‘B’ undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Manual.

Public and agency consultation is an important component of the Environmental Assessment process.  In addition to this notice, a Public Consultation Centre will be planned where the public will be invited to review options, ask questions, and provide comments.  The date and time of the PCC will be provided in the near future.

Subject to comments received and the receipt of necessary approvals, the Counties of Lanark and Leeds and Grenville intend to proceed with the planning, design, and implementation of the preferred alternative.

If you are interested in receiving further information on this project, please contact the following individuals:

 

ENGINEER
Chris Bent, P.Eng.
Project Manager
Jewell Engineering Inc.,
1 – 71 Millennium Parkway
Belleville, ON
K8N 4Z5
Telephone: (613) 969-1111
Fax: (613) 969-8988
Email:  chris@jewelleng.ca

OWNER
Sean Derouin, P.Eng., CET
Public Works Director
County of Lanark
99 Christie Lake Road
Perth, ON
K7H 3C6
Telephone (613) 267-1353
Fax (613) 267-2793
Email:  sderouin@lanarkcounty.ca

The Andrewsville Bridge (MTO Site No. 015-0013) spans the Rideau River and provides access to the Parks Canada swing bridge which crosses the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rideau Canal at Nicholson’s Locks.

Constructed in the early 1900’s, the Bridge is composed of two simply supported structures: a 38-metre span steel through- truss with timber deck (west approach); and a 10-metre span timber deck on a rolled steel girders (east approach).

Andrewsville Bridge has had a 5-tonne load limit imposed since 1952, which is the same load limit of the adjacent swing bridge. Average daily traffic is less than 200 cars per day.

Structural inspections have identified that the bridge has outlived its normal service life noting the original steel superstructure continues to deteriorate at an ever-increasing rate. The biggest concern is the stability of the 70 metre drystone retaining wall on the south approach that is at risk of collapse.

The timber deck of the main structure was replaced in 2008 along with minor structural repairs.

In the 2012, the bridge was struck and damaged by a transport trailer and was closed indefinitely due to the damage. As a result, discussion was prompted for the consideration of permanent closure as the best long-term solution. Residents protested this and formed the group “The Friends of Andrewsville Bridge”, initiating the campaign “Save the Andrewsville Bridge” where they organized petitions and persuaded Township and County Councillors to preserve the bridge.

Repairs as a result of the truck collision were completed and the bridge was opened to traffic in March of 2013. Height restricting barriers were also installed at this time to deter large vehicles from attempting to cross.

The west end approach steel stringers were replaced in 2016 and the east end stringers in 2018.

Council passed a by-law in 2018 approving recommendation to close the bridge to traffic on an annual basis from December 1st to March 31st to prolong the lifespan of the bridge by eliminating further corrosion as a result of de-icing materials being tracked across the bridge.

The County has completed enhanced inspections on the bridge on a yearly basis and will continue to monitor its condition throughout the Municipal Class EA process.