The replacement of the Abbott Bridge, located south of PR245 on Road 26W near Carman, is underway and is hoped to be completed and opened within the next few weeks.
Originally built in approximately 1955, the Abbott Bridge was aging and needed repairs. It was seriously damaged in the last few high-water spring run-offs, the last one being in 2022, when the water level and heavy currents lifted it off its moorings and, as the water receded, dropped it out of alignment. Because the wooden structure was very aged, rotting, and splitting, it was no longer considered safe and, therefore, closed for a few years.
The replacement became a project of the RM of Dufferin to tackle. Replacing a bridge takes quite a bit of time, with plenty of reviews, inspections, and discussions with the government, including infrastructure, water management, environment, etc.
RM of Dufferin Reeve Cor Lodder said the municipality engaged with engineers in developing a plan and design for a new and updated bridge that meets current and future needs.
He explained, “What our old wooden bridges were built for 50+ years ago is considerably different from the trucks and farm equipment that crosses them today. All the while, we need to assess the impacts on our farmers/taxpayers to ensure that we maintain an infrastructure that is affordable and helps build for the future.”
Samson Engineering of Brandon has been instrumental in the consultation, design, and project management of this Bridge Project.
The RM of Dufferin would also like to thank the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) and Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) programs for making this project possible. The RM appreciates the assistance from the Province in bringing this crucial infrastructure project to life.
“These support programs are very important in ensuring that the cost burden on us as municipalities and the RM taxpayers is sustainable and manageable,” said Lodder. “We could not do this on our own tax base.”
Lodder notes that the construction is going well on the new Abbott Bridge. Notwithstanding typical delays due to weather, environmental restrictions or guidelines, they hope to have it open by late summer or early fall.
Standard Photo by Cor Lodder
