KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
Repairs to the St Raphael’s Bridge will cost about four times more than anticipated, South Glengarry Council was told at a recent meeting.
In the 2025 budget, the estimated cost for repairs to the St. Raphael’s Bridge was $250,000. However, Keystone Bridge Management is recommending a major rehabilitation at an estimated cost of $1.3 million. Major repairs would strengthen eroded pier piles and fix concrete on expansion joints, girders, and ballast wall. Additionally, the bridge deck, guardrails, curbs and barrier would be replaced.
Keystone Bridge Management Inc. assessed the St. Raphael’s Bridge on Frog Hollow Road and the Sutherland Creek Bridge on South Service Road. Staff reported that the Sutherland Creek Bridge should be repaired at a cost of $450,000 which would include concrete repairs to piers, bridge deck and abutments, steel repairs to girders, along with asphalt and waterproofing replacement.
The St. Raphael’s Bridge has exposed pier piles with severe corrosion, leaking expansion joints which have allowed water to access the girders. As well, the guardrails show significant damage with signs of multiple impacts from vehicles. This damage has compromised the structural integrity of the guardrail and railings and may affect safety. In addition, the deck of the bridge is in poor condition with cracks running the length of the bridge.
While the Sutherland Creek Bridge has severe corrosion underneath the expansion joints and there is water leaking from these joints onto the girder ends, ballast wall and abutment, the rest of the bridge is in good condition. There is slight erosion of the concrete at the water line, but the piers remain solid. The recommendations would extend the life of the two bridges for 30 more years, saving South Glengarry from having to replace the bridges at this time, which is estimated to cost over $5.5 million.
L’article St. Raphael’s bridge tab above estimate est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
