Doube’s trestle bridge closing next month for deck replacement
Pedestrian, cycling access to be restricted starting on Sept. 15
The Doube’s trestle bridge, a popular biking and hiking connection over Buttermilk Valley between Omemee and Peterborough, will be restricted to pedestrian and bike traffic while it undergoes decking replacement in September.
Construction will start mid September and could take up to two months, according to Al MacPherson, a past chairperson and consultant with the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association.
For now, the association is estimating a start date of Sept. 15, hoping to be complete by Oct. 21. Access to the bridge will be possible, with some restrictions depending on construction.
John Hagarty, the association’s chairperson, said trail safety and enjoyment are paramount to the association’s stewardship role.
Bridge maintenance is being done with minimal disruption to trail users, but the association relies on co-operation to ensure the contractor’s crew can get the job done in a timely manner.
Trail users are encouraged to follow cautionary signs and are asked to give way to the crew prior to crossing the bridge during the construction period.
Worn wood decking is being replaced with environmentally friendly composite lumber to permit safer passage and provide a longer lifespan.
While the improvements are expected to cost more than $100,000, a lot of people are chipping in to keep the trail and bridge in shape, MacPherson said.
“If not for a combination of contributions received through donations, sponsorships, trail maintenance and enhancements would not be possible,” he said.
Contributors are integral to management of the Kawartha section of “The Great Trail.” The stretch of trail is 53.8 kilometres and is not municipally funded. Volunteer stewards of the trail rely on contributions for maintenance, enhancements, and promotion.
Doube’s Trestle Bridge passes over the Buttermilk Valley, situated west of Peterborough and east of Omemee. Originally constructed in the 1880s for the Midland Railway, it stretches some 572 feet across nine spans and stands about 70 feet high.
Considered one of Ontario’s great remaining railway attractions, the bridge offers trail users, residents and visitors alike, beautiful vistas of natural features and drumlins in the Buttermilk Valley.
“Our board and volunteers have been instrumental in a range of ongoing projects along the trail, such as trimming brush, trail bed maintenance, and garbage removal,” Hagarty said.
“Improvements to bridges, drainage, and signage are also critical maintenance tasks. We have undertaken numerous enhancement projects too.”