ASSIGINACK— Assiginack council held a special meeting last Monday morning, dealing specifically with the deteriorating state of the Rogers Creek Bridge located between Assiginack and Tehkummah Townships on Lakeshore Road.
Council reviewed the report submitted by the township’s consultant, Tulloch Engineering, which stated that the condition of the deck and steel superstructure was “fair.” “The condition of the curbs, railings, abutments (cribs, pier and wingwalls) and bearings, however, are poor,” Gary MacKay, project manager, writes. “The abutments are in an advanced state of deterioration and action is required. This may involve physically closing the bridge to all traffic, posting the bridge as ‘not maintained’ and ‘use at your own risk’ or a complete replacement.”
“The bridge is not in good condition,” Assiginack clerk Jeremy Rody summed it up.
He explained that council drafted a resolution to temporarily close the bridge and that Tehkummah council was to do the same thing. (Tehkummah staff and Reeve Eric Russell were also in attendance. Assiginack public works takes care of the winter maintenance of the bridge and Tehkummah public works, the summer maintenance.) Once the municipality hears back from its solicitor on the issue, and both municipalities have passed resolutions to close the bridge on a temporary basis, it will be closed to traffic.
Mr. Rody explained that there are two entrances to Lakeshore Road so the bridge closure will not impede residents’ entries.
The engineers estimate the cost of a complete replacement at $250,000.
Mr. Rody explained that the municipality, perhaps jointly with Tehkummah, would have to look for funding, likely from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.
As for when the bridge would be fixed, “definitely not this year and we would be hard-pressed for next year too,” the clerk said.
