Bracebridge preparing for the upcoming bridge closure at Taylor Road
Bracebridge Council was updated about the beginning of preparations for the upcoming bridge closure on Tayor Road, in the March 15, 2024, meeting.
Councillor, Debbie Vernon, a board member of the BIA, advised that they are preparing for the construction that will begin this spring. The Board is currently working on a plan that will include “finding ways to let people know Main Street is still open for business.”
Mayor, Rick Maloney, said, “Just glad to hear the BIA is very much involved with the bridge closure that will limit directional traffic on the bridge for most of the summer.”
Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, a member of the Engineering and Public Works Committee, elaborated on the project details. She explained that the Town awarded the work to UrbanLinks Civil Limited, which will include the bridge rehabilitation, sanitary and water main replacements, and Muskoka River crossing.
She said, “So, this is a very big project… There will be a closure between April and June. Traffic will be restricted to one lane. So, travelling westbound direction only towards the downtown. Eastbound traffic will be fully restricted to a detour.”
She continued that both traffic lanes will be detoured due to work done on infrastructure on Taylor Road, Front Street and Bird Lane, to ensure drivers can get around the Town.
“The proposed detour route will utilize Entrance Drive, Cedar Lane, and this detour will service east on traffic during the closures,” added Rhodes.
The restrictions will apply during both working and non-working hours.
The full road closure is estimated to be approximately one week, although the specific date hasn’t been decided yet, and there is a potential for delays depending on the scope of work that needs to be done.
Rhodes added, “District staff will be diligent in monitoring the work and communication that changes as they are encountered, to reduce the potential delay and promote the accelerated construction. A multilayer penalty bonus process has been put in place to make sure that this stays on schedule.”
A communication strategy is also being planned for public on the District’s media channels, social media, and through road signs. Vehicles coming into Town from highway 11 will also be warned and provided with alternate routes.
Vernon expressed concern about the lack of effectiveness of the traffic signs during previous construction at the railroad crossing and “half-hazardly signs in the beginning.” She explained, “There was a big traffic sign that was knocked down. People were still ignoring the signs.”
Mayor, Rick Maloney, advised that this is a different project than that one and that the District and the Town’s Public Works Department will be managing the signage for the bridge project.
Vernon continued that she was concerned about people trying to take short cuts in the one-way traffic across the bridge “taking advantage of going across against the grain.”
Maloney said, “Unfortunately, I think the best they can do is sign it appropriately and have the necessary monitoring in there… Off work hours, one lane closure will still be in place, so, OPP are aware of the challenges.”
Rhodes advised that she will pass these concerns onto the Public Works Department.
