North Glengarry public works recommends Fraser Road bridge closure

North Glengarry Township's public works manager has recommended that council approve the closure of a bridge on Fraser Road, as its condition has deteriorated to the point where the liability risk is too high.

According to the report by André Bachand, presented to council members on Monday, March 21, the structure is in poor condition and has been posted as "use at your own risk" for the last six years.

His recommendation is to replace the structure within one to two years but, in the meantime, to close it by placing concrete barriers on both ends.

The closure of the bridge is expected to have a limited effect on traffic circulation, as Fraser Road is a green road used mainly during the spring to autumn months by local farmers and some general traffic.

According to a report by engineering firm Greer Galloway Group, conducted on November 24, 2010, the structure has damage to the soffit; cracks and spalls in the concrete curb; a misaligned and moderately-rusted steel railing; a severely-bent steel railing; scaling, settlement, and debris buildup in the concrete deck; severe scaling and spalling in the concrete wingwall, ballast wall, and bearing support; and severe efflorescence, scaling and spalling in the beam support.

Photographs in the report show a failing beam support and corroded steel, and the engineer's notes specify the structure is in "urgent need of replacement."

The estimated cost of its removal and replacement is $750,000.

Ten bridges in poor condition

The same inspection report, which consisted of 35 inspections, highlighted 10 structures in poor condition. Each one was listed as a high priority with a recommendation to replace it within the next one to 10 years.

The following is a complete list of the 10 bridges and their respective replacement costs:

Structure # / location                Replacement           Cost
10 / Concession Road 4           One to five years      $700,500
17 / Fraser Road                      One to two years      $750,000
18 / Lochnivar Road                 Six to ten years        $700,000
28 / Ranger Bridge                   Six to ten years        $1.5 million
33 / Brodie Road (west half)      One to five years      $400,000
41 / McIntee Road                    One to five years      $250,000
43 / McCormick Road               One to five years      $750,000
49 / Irvine Road                        One to five years     $300,500
51 / Glen Sandfield Road          One to two years      $400,000
55 / Brodie Road                      One to five years      $306,000