Bridge construction project at Menesetung will continue into November.
The restoration of the historic Menesetung Bridge, a 120-year-old train bridge turned walking bridge, will continue into November. This iconic structure, spanning the Maitland River in Goderich, Ontario, has been a vital part of the Guelph to Goderich Trail, Maitland Trail, and Trans-Canada Trail for many years.
Originally built as a train bridge in 1907 and decommissioned in 1988, the Menesetung Bridge now serves as a pedestrian walkway, attracting an estimated 30,000 users annually. The current restoration project, overseen by the Menesetung Bridge Restoration Committee, aims to ensure the bridge can withstand rains and high water for many more years.
The project, originally scheduled to complete in September, has been extended to November. Crews have been working diligently since April, restoring the tops and bottoms of four gigantic piers that support the bridge. About three quarters of the work on the upper piers has been completed, and about two thirds of the lower piers have been restored.
The upper part of each pier is being recapped with reinforced concrete due to concerns about losing strength around the bearings. The lower parts of the piers have been damaged by ice over the years, leading to potentially serious structural issues, as highlighted in a 2020 engineering report.
Stan Connelly, from the Menesetung Bridge Association, has been closely watching the work. He emphasises the importance of the restoration, stating, "The restoration of the Menesetung Bridge is crucial to withstand rains and high water for many more years."
The project has been funded primarily by the public and government grants, with approximately 92% of the $970,000 total cost raised in this manner. The Menesetung Bridge Association, led by Stan Connelly, is closely monitoring the work on the bridge to ensure its successful completion.
As the restoration work progresses, the Menesetung Bridge remains an integral part of the local community and a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The bridge's continued existence not only preserves a piece of local history but also provides a valuable connection between various trail networks in the region.
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