LAURIE WEIR
SMITHS FALLS — The Confederation Bridge replacement project remains on track to finish later this fall, despite harder-than-expected rock slowing excavation, Smiths Falls council heard this week.
Public Works and Utilities Director Paul McMunn reported on Aug. 25 that the old bridge was successfully removed earlier this month.
“It took approximately the whole day to be removed in two sections,” McMunn said. “We cut the bridge in half at the centre pier and removed one side to the east approach, and the other on the west side at Old Mill Road.”
The removal, carried out by subcontractor StructureCraft with Glenview Iron & Metal assisting, required a 150-tonne crane and drew some onlookers.
With the bridge now out, crews are excavating behind the canal wall for new footings and abutments. That work began the week of Aug. 15, though unexpected rock elevations have caused about a half-week delay. McMunn said the project is still expected to wrap up in late October or early November.
The next milestone will be the arrival of the glulam beams, laminated wood arches manufactured in Alberta, in the week beginning Sept. 2. They will be dry-fitted on Old Mill Road before the bridge is lifted into place in a single piece.
“When the time comes, a 500-tonne crane will be set up on the west side at Old Mill Road and Federation Drive to pick up the bridge in its entirety and set it on the new footings,” McMunn said. “That will be a day council may want to attend. It’ll be quite a show.”
The town has commissioned a local photographer, including drone footage, to document the work. McMunn said council will be updated when the bridge components arrive.
