Some thoughts on the Old Bridge, the proposed new walking bridge and the relocation of the regional sewer line.
The Buckland and Taylor Bridge Engineering Report states that there is deterioration to the metal shell encasing the concrete piers. Because of this, it is their opinion, that the bridge might not withstand unusual loads.
What would constitute an unusual load?
It is their opinion that it would cost several million dollars to reinforce the present piers.
Is “pedestrian traffic only, considered “an unusual load?”
Is the present sewer line considered “an unusual load?”
The new proposed pedestrian footbridge and sewer line has a price tag of $10 million of which the city will pay 100 per cent of the $5,800,000 and an additional 62 per cent of the regional sewage function share that will be $2,850,000, for a total of $8,650,000 – not the $5.8 million that is presently being publicized.
It is reasonable to assume that the removal of the Old Bridge could cost as much as $10 million.
The proposed walking bridge and sewage line crossing along with the demolition of the Old Bridge brings the price to an exorbitant amount of money. The total cost could be as high as $20 million.
According to the report it could cost only a few million dollars to reinforce the piers of the Old Bridge, and only the middle pier may require some rehabilitation. There has not been any physical engineering testing on the structure, just a visual inspection.
In view of the exorbitant cost we are presently facing in regards to the new proposal, would it not be a better option to reevaluate saving the old bridge for a pedestrian crossing only?
The present city reserves are probably more than adequate to finance the repairs of the Old Bridge piers.
Norman Gabana
Trail