Wellington County Bridge Replacements

Four aging bridge structures on Wellington Road 109, including three rigid frame bridges (B109132, B109133 and B109134) and a concrete arch culvert (B109123), had reached a critical state of deterioration, necessitating full replacement. Located within a three-kilometer corridor, the structures collectively carry more than 8,700 vehicles daily across the Conestogo River, making them a vital link in the regional transportation network.

Constructed more than 90 years ago, the structures span between 12 meters and 17 meters and underwent their last major rehabilitation in 1989, which included concrete repairs and deck waterproofing. Despite these efforts, decades of service have taken their toll, and the structures have reached the end of their functional lifespan. Replacement is scheduled through 2029 and will be delivered using staged construction to maintain continuous traffic flow throughout construction.

Our Ontario-based team completed the detailed design for all four bridge replacements, along with roadway reconstruction in the surrounding corridor. Services also included permitting, tendering, and construction administration, with oversight of a multidisciplinary team addressing natural environmental screening, hydraulics and hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, pavement and geotechnical design, excess soil management, temporary and permanent roadway design, and structural design for bridges and retaining walls.

The team also prepared tender documents, coordinated temporary and permanent property acquisitions, managed gas and hydro utility relocations, secured required permits from the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and provided support for a federal funding application. Public engagement included a public information center, as well as presentations to the municipal council and the roads committee. Field investigations, including geotechnical sampling, asphalt testing, and concrete coring, were conducted to confirm the existing condition of each structure. Findings from these investigations informed the recommended replacement strategies at each site.

All four structures are being replaced with integral abutment steel plate I-girder bridges featuring longer spans ranging from 18.5 meters to 26.5 meters to accommodate increased hydraulic capacity. Pile foundations are being used at each location to support the bridges and improve long-term performance.

The two bridges closest to downtown Arthur will include sidewalks on both sides to enhance pedestrian connectivity with additional curb width to accommodate future traffic demand. These structures are being replaced using staged construction that maintains one lane of traffic in each direction at all times, minimizing disruption near the Highway 6 intersection. To support this approach, the bridge nearest Arthur and Highway 6 is utilizing a temporary modular bridge on the north embankment, allowing vehicles to bypass the construction area without the need for temporary traffic signals.

All four replacements were tendered as a single contract and are being constructed by a single contractor to maximize efficiency and coordination. Structure B109134 was completed in 2025, and structure B109123 is scheduled for completion in 2026, with all bridges planned to be replaced by 2029.