Paisley bridge project underway, temporary detour bridge being constructed

BRUCE COUNTY – The Teeswater River bridge replacement project, located on Bruce Road 3 in Paisley, began in May and continues to progress. Motorists can continue to drive to and through Paisley while bridge construction is underway. Paisley businesses are open.

Please take notice that the existing bridge location will be closed from Aug. 2, 2022 to September 2023 during construction. Construction of a temporary bridge is underway. This temporary bridge will connect Goldie Street and Church Street, over the Saugeen River, and serve as the connecting in-town detour for motorists and pedestrians in Paisley.

Semi-trucks, tractor trailers, and agricultural equipment are to avoid crossing at the bridge in Paisley during the construction period due to the tight turns of the in-town detour. Alternate truck routes have been established and signage is place. Businesses using large trucks for shipments and deliveries are encouraged to make alternative route plans to avoid the in-town detour. An alternate truck route map is available on the Bruce County website.

The new Teeswater River bridge being constructed will be an integral abutment style bridge with two 23-metre spans with a middle pier. The design will allow for more river flow clearance and will have a service life of 75 years. Images of the new bridge design and site plans that show parking options, pedestrian connections, and the short detour locations can be viewed at www.brucecounty.on.ca/paisleybridge.

This construction project will also include work by the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, scheduled for 2023 on Queen Street, north of the bridge. This infrastructure work will include water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, sidewalk rehabilitation, and road paving.

The projected timeline is as follows:

– temporary bridge construction – May 2022 to August 2022;

– temporary bridge in operation – August 2022 to September 2023;

– old bridge demolition/new bridge construction – August 2022 to September 2023;

– new infrastructure construction north of new bridge – starting in 2023; and

– temporary bridge demolition – starting in September 2023.

Bruce County Warden Janice Jackson said, “The county is collaborating with our municipal partners to provide necessary infrastructure enhancements to support shared industries and our growing economy. This bridge replacement on Bruce Road 3 will provide improved safety, services, and accessibility for the public long into the future.”

The Teeswater River bridge in Paisley was constructed in 1935 and provided over 85 years of service to the community. Looby Construction Ltd. is the contractor for this construction project and BM Ross is the project engineer. Partial funding for this project is provided by the Canada Community Building Fund.