The Township of Huron-Kinloss will be including Bell Bridge in their maintenance projects this year. Bell Bridge, Structure H38, is located on Lake Range Drive between Concession 4 and Bell Drive. The project will include repairs of the supporting structures, the top deck, and drainage improvements to extend the life of this structure for many years to come. The rehabilitation of the bridge will require a complete closure of all lanes for 12 weeks including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

This project was recommended by engineers from B.M. Ross & Associates for rehabilitation within the next five years to preserve the structure. Bell Bridge was built in 1963 and has had some minor maintenance work done in 2011 to clean and recoat the steel railings. With the growing Lakeshore population, the bridge now incurs traffic numbers of approximately 1400 vehicles/day in the summer months.

The recommendation to rehabilitate Bell Bridge in 2023 was brought before Council on February 17, 2023 by John Yungblut, the Director of Public Works. Due to the relatively high volume of traffic that crosses the bridge on a daily basis and the lengthy detour route that would be required, Staff and Council explored various options to reduce the impact on the public:

• Full bridge closure for an estimated duration of 12 weeks ($710,000)
• Staged construction, leaving 1 lane open, for an estimated duration of 18 weeks ($1,200,000), and
• Hybrid construction, with full closure during structural repairs and 1 lane open for remainder, for an estimated duration of 15 weeks ($1 million).

At the end of the discussion, Council decided to pursue the fully closed option due to the lowest cost and shortest duration. Two tenders were received, with the lowest bid coming in at $950,000 excluding tax. Township of Huron-Kinloss Council awarded the project to AJN Builders Inc. at the March 20^th Council meeting. Staff have requested the project begin and end over a period so as to not impact the entire summer. As such, construction is scheduled to begin on May 1st, 2023, and continue through July 31st, 2023, weather depending.

Full closure of the bridge will require a north detour from Concession 4 to Concession 8 via Highway 21. The Township understands that this will be an inconvenience for many residents and visitors. Investing in our infrastructure to rehabilitate the Bell Bridge will extend its life for years to come. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Please view the Staff Report to Council from February 17th, 2023.
Please view the engineers' Recommendation Letter which includes options for phased project construction.