A century-old bridge serving dozens of homes in rural Bracebridge will soon be replaced through an unusual construction method that allows traffic — and the creek below — to keep flowing throughout the project.
During next week’s general committee meeting, Bracebridge coucnillors will consider the contract for the replacement of the Purbrook Bridge and extended road works to McPherson-Andrews Contracting Limited at a cost of $881,180 plus HST.
According to a staff report, the Purbrook Bridge is approximately 104 years old and currently consists of a single-lane, single-span concrete beam and deck structure crossing McKay Creek. The bridge, located within a wetland and swamp-like floodplain area, was found to have deteriorating structural elements during an underwater inspection completed in 2013, leading to a reduced maximum load capacity.
The roadway serves as the only access route for approximately 54 year-round and seasonal residences, meaning uninterrupted vehicle and emergency access must be maintained during construction.
To address the site constraints, the Township will use an innovative bridge design that allows the existing structure to remain in place while a new bridge superstructure is constructed overtop. The new bridge will be supported by shallow concrete footings and helical piles installed behind the existing abutments.
Staff say the approach offers several environmental and construction benefits, including eliminating the need for in-water work, temporary creek crossings or cofferdams, while allowing McKay Creek to continue flowing uninterrupted throughout construction. Retaining the existing bridge is also expected to reduce construction timelines, avoid demolition costs and minimize impacts on surrounding natural features.
Once complete, the existing bridge structure will remain in place as a non-load-bearing remnant beneath the new bridge.
Construction is scheduled to begin June 29, 2026, with completion targeted for the end of October. Most work will be carried out under single-lane traffic conditions or through the use of a temporary traffic crossing system.
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