Notice: Procedural Bylaw Amendments
The Council of the Corporation of the County of Lanark is hereby giving notice that amendments to the Procedural By-Law will be considered at the October 22nd, meeting of County Council. The purpose being to update various sections of the bylaw to reflect best practices. A copy of the draft bylaw with changes indicated can be found by reviewing the document available here: Procedural Bylaw 2025-XX – Draft for Notice
The meeting will commence at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Lanark County Administration Building, located at 99 Christie Lake Road, in Perth. For further information, please contact Jasmin Ralph, County Clerk at jralph@lanarkcounty.ca (613) 267 – 4200 ext. 1502.
Dated this 26th day of September Jasmin Ralph, County Clerk
2025 Reduced Load Restrictions
Please note that reduced load restrictions have been lifted on all county roads with the following exceptions: CR17 (Derry Side Road)
Restrictions will remain in effect on this road until further notice. For more information, see Reduced Load Information.
It is an offence, under section 122 of The Highway Traffic Act, to transport loads in excess of five (5) tonnes per axle upon roads where reduced loads are in effect.
The reduced load period is necessary for the protection of certain County Roads that are susceptible to damage during the spring thaw. The restriction will be removed when the likelihood of road damage has diminished.
For inquiries please contact the Lanark County Public Works Department at:
Telephone: 613.267.1353 or E-mail: roads@lanarkcounty.ca
5-Arches Pakenham Stone Bridge
UPDATE: Bridge Open, Next Closures planned for Thursday, October 16th and Monday, October 27th
The County of Lanark has contracted KB Civil Constructors inc. to undertake substructure rehabilitation work on the historic 5-Arches Stone bridge in Pakenham. 2025 Work includes removal and repouring of the existing concrete pier jackets and repointing deteriorated masonry joints on the bridge piers.
Bridge Closure
The bridge may be closed periodically as needed to facilitate work. Look for updates on advanced digital signage and social media for planned closure dates.
Commuters are asked to pay attention to advanced digital signage for the status of planned upcoming closures.
Detour Route
UPDATE: City of Ottawa Closing Upper Dwyer Hill Road September 25th – October 21st
Drivers are asked to follow the updated detour route which uses Ivy Acres Road and Ritchie Side Road for any upcoming closures.
Digital message board signs will be in place to notify the public when next bridge closures will be in effect.
Detour Map City of Ottawa Alternate Route
Closure Limitations
If the bridge is closed during construction, it will only be closed within the following schedule:
Monday – Thursday: Half-hour before sunrise to half-hour before sunset.
Friday: Half-hour before sunrise to Noon
The Bridge will remain open overnight and on Weekends and Holidays .
Daily closures may be in place until work is completed in October, 2025.
Site Camera
Submit a Question or Concern
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works office.
Andrewsville Bridge
Purpose
The Counties of Lanark and Leeds Grenville have retained Jewell Engineering to prepare a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) report to evaluate alternatives to address the deteriorating condition of the Andrewsville Bridge over the Rideau River, located in the hamlet of Andrewsville about 5 km north of the Village of Merrickville.
Andrewsville bridge is designated as a boundary bridge, therefore it is jointly maintained by the County of Lanark and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
- Draft Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report
- Enhanced Inspection Report- July 2021
- Preliminary Construction Estimates For All Options – updated Dec. 21/22
- Option Score Matrix – updated Dec. 21/22
- Fund Summary – updated Dec. 21/22
- Andrewsville Bridge Heritage Impact Assessment – posted Jan. 20/23
- Andrewsville Bridge Summary of Events
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
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.
The Class EA requires public and stakeholder consultation, evaluation of alternatives, an assessment of potential impacts of the proposed alternatives and identification of measures to mitigate any adverse impacts. Upon completion of the study, an Environmental Study Report (ESR) documenting the process will be available for public review and comments for a period of 30 calendars days.
Public Consultation will take place online as a virtual Public Consultation Centre (PCC) on this webpage.
Any person may view the attached presentation and provide comments by February 24, 2023 to the following email andrewsvillebridge@lanarkcounty.ca
Submit a Question or Concern
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works office.
Rural Transit Feasibility Study
Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls are undertaking the Transit Feasibility Study which aims to explore solutions for improving transit options across the region.
The study, led by consulting firm Arcadis, is assessing current transportation challenges and developing strategies to enhance mobility for rural communities. We thank everyone who has provided input in both rounds of consultation. A report is expected to be delivered to County Council in the fall of 2025.
