Kinsmen pedestrian bridge to be replaced

The Kinsmen Bridge is a vital link between downtown and subdivisions on the west side of Tillsonburg. It will be replaced this summer, and the bridge will be closed for four months during the process. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).

By Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Kinsmen Bridge will be replaced this summer.

Town council approved reconstruction of the vital link between Hickory Hills and subdivisions on the west side of town and the downtown at the June 16 meeting. The accepted bid was for $3.25 million, less than the $4.69 million budgeted for the project.

In a report to council, Director of Operations Carlos Reyes reported that five bids were received, ranging from $3.09 million to $4.97 million, inclusive of HST. The approved recommendation was to accept the lowest bid, $2.74 million, plus HST, from Lancoa Contracting of Caledon East. With the addition of engineering costs of $166,327 and a 10 per cent contingency to cover unexpected costs. This represents a savings of $1.4 million over the budgeted amount.

The bidding process also allowed alternative materials to be submitted, rather than the metal design, which is more reminiscent of the rail heritage of the original bridge. Lancoa was the only bidder to include an alternative, which was a modular panel design that would have saved $250,000; however, it would have looked entirely different.

The approved design was for a prefabricated girder design with metal grate walkway. Included in the bid was a deflector plate so those walking across the bridge wouldn’t be able to see the valley floor below, and create an issue for those with a fear of heights. It utilizes the existing cement pillars, with renovations, and features LED lighting on the walkway.

Reyes told council, that if approved, the project would take four months and start the second week of July.

Coun. Chris Parker asked about the communication plan to inform residents about the four-month closure for reconstruction.

“This is a major way for people to access the downtown for that area,” he said.

Reyes said communication will be through social media and letters to residents of the area.

Coun. Kelly Spencer mentioned concerns from people in Hickory Hills about how to access the downtown during construction, noting the sidewalk is on the opposite of Baldwin Street and anyone walking would have to cross the street.

“I’m wondering if there is anything that can be looked at for that,” she said. “It can be daunting for cars, let alone walking slow across the street.”

Reyes committed to returning to council with a report outlining options to that end.

Parker asked about the availability of the T-Go bus, and after it was confirmed there is a route from the areas impacted by the bridge closure, suggested, “With the bus already going there, maybe this is an opportunity to promote more ridership with the bridge down.”

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said surveys through the South Central Ontario Region (SCOR) found using the bus can be intimidating for some.

“I know sometimes transit can be daunting for seniors or people who have never used it,” she said. “It might be helpful to go to the Hickory Hills Clubhouse with a tutorial video on how to use the bus.”

When Reyes pointed out the alternative design included with the bid, Coun. Pete Luciani replied, “I did note the alternative design, although a very ugly alternative design. With the previous input from everybody who had input, especially the historical society, trying to keep it a little closer to what is existing, then into something that looks a little more, I don’t even know what the comment is on that, I will leave it at that.”

“I concur, because one of my comments was, please tell me we are getting the rustic-looking one,” Gilvesy said.

The mayor asked questions about the grate floor, noting that there have been issues with the existing wooden surface, which has rubber mats placed on it in the winter to make it less slippery.

“Is there any type of winter maintenance that needs to be done on this surface, and are we definitely sure pets will be able to cross and mobility, scooters wheelchairs,” she said. “The flooring/walking surface is what needs to be done right - now it’s wood and they put rubber matt on it because it gets slippery - not ideal and the mat buckles up.”

“It will be safe for pets,” Reyes answered. “I would like to thank the groups involved because they raised the concerns about it being friendly for pets and for anyone using anyone using accessibility devices. Yes, It will be accessible and public works will be taking care of the winter maintenance.”

Although he is working on getting more details on winter maintenance, Reyes said snow should go through the perforated surface.

“Is this not similar to the bridge at Lisgar,” Spencer said. “It looks like it to me. What I could add is I lived around that  neighbourhood for 20-30 years and bikes cross it, wheelchairs cross it, dogs cross it. I walked it every day. In the winter, I never had an issue with it being slippery. My little dog hated it but I carried her.”

Gilvesy pointed out a report on the Bridge Street changes is due back to council soon, but did note there was a suggestion of including parts of the old bridge in its design. She asked if that was part of the quote.

Reyes said that was not part of the quote, which covered fully decommissioning the bridge and disposing of it.

“I would certainly like to see if some pieces could be set aside,” Gilvesy said.

Luciani questioned if part of the proposal price included scrap value for the existing bridge.

“If it is, that is obviously is something we have to look at. If we are looking at trying to remove some of that, and if we are going to be paying for our own bridge back, that isn’t a good thing either,” he said.

After discussion of when the next meeting of the Bridge Street committee was, it was decided this item could be discussed later.

In closing, Gilvesy said this project must go ahead due to a report saying the bridge was due for replacement.

“It needs to be done,” she said. “I know it’s going to be painful but it is for everyone’s safety.”