Jackson Creek trail section to be closed as bridge is replaced
An approximately one-kilometre section of the Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail in the city’s west end will be closed with construction work to replace the most westerly bridge spanning the creek scheduled to begin Monday.
The bridge — No. 2017 — is one of four on the four-kilometre walking/cycling trail that extends between Jackson Park and Ackison Road.
The trail and bridges are owned and maintained by Otonabee Conservation.
“The principle concern with the bridge is the deteriorating abutments and wing walls which are essentially its main supports,” CAO Dan Marinigh stated. “The bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic since 2014.”
Pedestrian traffic will be prohibited in the construction area, which will extend from Ackison east to bridge No. 2009, commonly known as the orange bridge.
“We realize that the trail closure may be an inconvenience, but it is necessary in order to keep everyone safe during the construction period,” he stated.
Signs indicating the closure and suggested detours have been in place since Oct. 13.
The project is scheduled to be done on or before Nov. 24.
Drain Bros. Excavating will undertake the work, which includes installing erosion control measures, removing the existing bridge and footings and building new footings and placing the new span in place.
The trail is designated as part of The Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail), billed as the longest recreational trail in the world.
The Trans Canada Trail provided a grant to Otonabee Conservation for the engineering and design of the new bridge.
Culverts and surface treatment — the application of new crushed stone — will also be needed along select locations on the trail, Marinigh stated.
The total cost of the bridge replacement, rehabilitation of the other three bridges and trail repairs are estimated at $400,000. The projects will be funded by the conservation authority over five years, he added.
The conservation authority expects the trail to see more use in the coming years with subdivisions planned or being built north and south of the trail.
“In order to meet the growing demand for recreational use of the trail, installation of the new bridge is timely, and additional repairs in other locations along the trail will need to be undertaken over the next few years,” Marinigh stated.
Those wanting to make a charitable financial donation in support of the improvements can donate online by clicking the Donate Now button at www.otonabeeconservation.com or by visiting the authority’s office at 250 Milroy Dr.