Side Road 3 Bridge Replacement

Side Road 3 Bridge (Structure D-0007), located on Sideroad 3 between Grey Bruce Line and Sideroad 11 in the former Township of Derby. The existing structure is a single-span concrete rigid frame conveying flow below the roadway for the Keady Creek.

The structure is currently closed to vehicular traffic due to its advanced deteriorated state. The structure is in overall poor condition and has been closed to traffic since 2018. The wingwalls are experiencing wide shear cracking and outward rotation. The footings are exposed exhibiting severe deterioration and scouring. The west footing has experienced settlement and inward rotation. Abutment walls are in poor condition with multiple wide cracks noted. No short-term repair option is available, so a full replacement is necessary.

Structure Overview

Structure D‑0007 was constructed circa 1925 and consists of a cast-in-place, open bottom, concrete rigid frame complete with a steel beam guiderail barrier system on either side of the roadway. The structure has an overall span of 6.0m and a rise of 2.2m measured from centerline of creek.  

Why Is This Project Important?

The closure of the Side Road 3 Bridge has caused inconvenience for local residents, particularly farmers. The detour forces large agricultural equipment onto either Grey Road 5 or Grey Road 16, which is less ideal than the previous access route. Replacing the bridge will restore direct access, improve safety, and support local agricultural operations.

Scope

The Township will replace existing structure with a concrete box culvert. This approach offers the best balance of safety, cost, and community needs. The new culvert will:

• Improve road safety and maintain direct access to farmland.
• Increase resilience to climate change.

Timeline

The construction timeline may be subject to change based on permitting and environmental assessment requirements, and weather considerations.

Resources

• Design Alternative Drawings - Structure D-0007.pdf (1.68 MB) (pdf)
• MCEA Study Presentation – Structure D-0007.pdf (2.26 MB) (pdf)
• Notice to Participate - Structure D-0007.pdf (377 KB) (pdf)
• 2024 OSIM Bridge Inspection Report – Structure D-0007.pdf (10.3 MB) (pdf)

Environmental Assessment:
The project is currently expected to be considered a "Schedule A+" project under Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act, meaning minimal environmental impacts are anticipated. If higher impacts are identified during planning, the Township will adjust accordingly.