COUNTY OF WELLINGTON – The county is commissioning a study looking at what to do with four bridges, near Arthur on Wellington Rd. 109, considered to be in poor condition.
The bridges, constructed in the 1930s, are between Highway 6 and Sideroad 7 crossing the Conestogo River southeast of Arthur.
A notice on the County of Wellington website says: “The bridges at all four crossings are in an advanced state of deterioration with some elements identified as not meeting current standards.”
Given the proximity of the bridges, the county is planning and designing the bridges under a single study.
According to the county website, they recognize that efforts to improve the bridges will come with some challenges during construction for residents, business owners and travellers particularly if it extends over multiple years.
Therefore, the county is considering options like repairing or replacing the bridges. For comparison purposes, they are also looking into the feasibility and cost of permanently realigning the road to eliminate or reduce the multiple river crossings and need for future work.
The study is looking to identify the problem and recommend a solution based on design, impact, traffic, local residences, business activity, cultural heritage, Indigenous values and environmental protection.
