10th Street Bridge Reconstruction

In addition to the bridge replacement, the trunk watermain sand other watermains supplying the City’s north-west area have been replaced and upgraded.  Storm sewer/drainage, traffic signals and road improvements will be included in the project as well.

With completion of the Municipal Class Environment Approval (MCEA) and the approval of up to $3M in grant funding from the Province of Ontario through the MTO’s Connecting Links Funding Program, City Council decided to proceed with the 10th Street Bridge Replacement project.

On July 15, 2019, City Council awarded the 10th Street Bridge Reconstruction contract to Looby Builders (Dublin) Limited.  Work began October 2019.

For more information, FAQs and additional background, see the links below. 

The bridge was open to traffic on December 11, 2020. The contractor will be working towards removing the detour signage and line painting as weather permits. Final landscaping will take place in the Spring of 2021. The dedication of the bridge took place June 21, 2021.

Dennis Kefalas, Director of Public Works & Engineering
dkefalas@owensound.ca
519-376-4440 ext. 1201

What Phase Are We At? 

Have a look below at the various milestones throughout the 10th Street Bridge Reconstruction Project. As the project progresses below, the current phase will be enlarged to indicate the current milestone in the timeline. We are currently on Milestone -9 - asphalt paving. Next phase - Bridge Reopening!

Completed Milestones

 

 

Timeline 7

Timeline 8

Bridge Reopening 

December 11, 2020

 

 What's Ahead

Estimated Completion 1st Week of May 2021

Video Updates

Dennis Kefalas takes us on-site at the 10th Street Bridge, providing key updates at project milestones. 

 

 

 

 

 

Detour Routes

  • Eastbound traffic will be redirected at 10th Street and 2nd Avenue West southerly to 8th Street, along 8th Street to 3rd Avenue East, northbound to 10th Street East.  
  • Westbound traffic will be redirected at 10th Street and 3rd Avenue East southerly towards 9th Street, along 9th Street to 2nd Avenue West, northbound to 10th Street West.

To accommodate the detour, parking has been removed along both 8th Street and 9th Street. 2 Westbound lanes and 1 Eastbound lane have been created on 9th Street and 2 Eastbound lanes and 1 Westbound lane have been created on 8th Street East.

Detour Map

Transit Routes

City Transit will be impacted from the bridge closure, City transit route maps can be found at the City's GIS transit page or on the City's Transit webpage.

September 11th Spadia (Newspaper Cover)

The City took out a Spadia (newspaper cover) in September 11th's Owen Sound Sun Times.

The Spadia includes: 

  • Detour Routes
  • Project Details
  • Rendering of the Bridge
  • Downtown Parking Map
  • Transit Routes
  • A few traffic tips to keep cool. 

You can view the spadia on your smartphone or PC by clicking here. 

Marketing and Promotional Presentation to Council and DIA

On September 11, 2019, the Manager of Community Development & Marketing provided a presentation to the Owen Sound DIA Board respecting the City's efforts to communicate and promote the downtown as a destination through the initial stages of the 10th Street Bridge Reconstruction.

On September 23, 2019, the same presentation was given to Owen Sound Council. 

The presentation is available here. 

Questions or suggestions may be directed to Brent Fisher, Manager of Community Development & Marketing. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the Bridge being replaced?

Inspection of the foundation underwater are showing advanced signs of erosion. Other structural elements including the bridge soffit and deck are showing advanced signs of deterioration as well. 

When will 10th Street and the Bridge be closed?

The bridge will be closed from October 2, 2019 until December 2020. 

What area will be closed during construction?

10th Street will be closed to through traffic from 2nd Avenue East to 2nd Avenue West. 1st Avenue East and 1st Avenue West will be closed at 10th Street and two-way traffic will be allowed on 1st Avenue East.  For road closures in Owen Sound at any time, please visit Municipal 511.

10th Street Closure area

Will the bridge be open during construction?

No. The bridge will need to be removed completely and reconstructed in the same location. 

What will the new bridge look like?

The new bridge will look much like the 9th Street Bridge. It will be considerably wider as there will be 5 full width driving lanes and wider sidewalks. 

Bridge Rendering

Will I have access to stores and businesses along 10th Street between 2nd Avenue East and 2nd Avenue West?

YES!

We hope you will assist in supporting these businesses during construction.

What hours will construction be taking place?

Construction hours will be from 7:00AM until 7:00PM

What is the loud noise I hear?

Every construction project generates various types of loud noises. You may notice a repeated hammering noise from pile driving. This noise will only be heard during working hours and is expected to last no longer than 2 months

What is the detour route while the Bridge and 10th Street is closed?

  • Eastbound traffic will be redirected at 10th Street and 2nd Avenue West southerly to 8th Street, along 8th Street to 3rd Avenue East, northbound to 10th Street East.  
  • Westbound traffic will be redirected at 10th Street and 3rd Avenue East southerly towards 9th Street, along 9th Street to 2nd Avenue West, northbound to 10th Street West.

To accommodate the detour, parking has been removed along both 8th Street and 9th Street. 2 Westbound lanes and 1 Eastbound lane have been created on 9th Street and 2 Eastbound lanes and 1 Westbound lane have been created on 8th Street East.

Detour Map

Is pedestrian traffic permitted?

Pedestrian traffic will not be allowed on the bridge. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on sidewalks and in areas not directly affected by construction outside the work zone.

Where can I park?

Municipal parking lots are available for parking. Additional on-street parking will be created along 10th Street East between 2nd Avenue East and 3rd Avenue East in the curb lanes, as traffic volumes will not require these driving lanes.  

What are the bus routes?

City Transit will be impacted from the bridge closure, City transit route maps can be found at the City's GIS transit page or on the City's Transit webpage.

Who is the Contractor replacing the Bridge? 

Looby Builders (Dublin) Limited.

Why wasn't the Bridge made wider?

Because we are restricted to the existing driving lanes, increasing the bridge width would create a traffic bottleneck.

What are some of the key features and improvements of the new Bridge?

  • Wider driving lanes
  • Better site lines for turning vehicles
  • New underground water and sanitary service
  • Improved storm water treatment
  • New traffic signals
  • Improved and more energy efficient lighting (LED)
  • A wider accessible south sidewalk and much wider north sidewalk that is a more accessible multi-purpose "pathway" for pedestrians, cyclists and persons with mobility assistive devices

How long will the new Bridge last?

With proper maintenance, the new bridge is expected to last 100 years. 

Why wasn't a temporary Bridge or Baily Bridge installed at 11th Street

This option was reviewed and it was determined that the cost to construct a temporary bridge at that location was beyond the City's financial ability.

What is the project budget?

On July 15, 2019, City Council awarded the 10th Street Bridge replacement construction tender to Looby Builders (Dublin) Limited at $8,680,689.79. The full report regarding the approved budget for the bridge construction can be found on the July 15, 2019 City Council Agenda.

Is the project on budget?

Yes!

Will there be interruptions to water/sewer?

Minor interruptions to water services are expected to occur in the area immediately adjacent to the work for short periods.  Public notification of interruptions will be by personal notice, hand delivered 48 hours in advance.

Will there be interruptions to water or hydro service during construction? 

Water and Hydro One service should be maintained throughout the project.  If there are any planned interruptions in either service they will be advertised so that users know.

Will the construction disturb rodents, causing them to vacate their habitat and impact the immediate area?

A professional rodent control company was brought in to set traps and gauge the impact the project may have in driving rodents out of their habitat and in to the surrounding area. During the study period, no rodents were captured or observed leading to the conclusion that there should be minimal to no impact on any rodent population in the area.

What about Emergency response to the project area?

Grey County Paramedic Services have allotted a space at the Inter-Township Fire Hall for quicker access to the west side.

Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services and the Inter-Township Fire Department have reviewed the construction plan to ensure public safety and response times during construction.  The full report and agreement regarding the Fire Protection Agreement for 10th Street Bridge closure can be found on the August 12, 2019 City Council Agenda

If I have questions during construction, who can I call?

You can contact Dennis Kefalas, Director of Public Works & Engineering at 519–376-4440 ext. 1201 or via email at dkefalas@owensound.ca.

Photos

 10th Street Bridge - 2006 West Side of Bridge
 10th Street Bridge 2006
 10th Street Bridge - 2018 East Side of Bridge
 2018 10th Street Bridge
Demolition 
Demolition of Building on South Side of Bridge

 Building demo

building Demo 2

Building demo 2

down

 Demolition of the bridge

Bridge demo on its way

Bridge Demo on its way part 2

Bridge out, barges in place

Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media Advisories

Media Release - City to Receive Grant for 10th Street Bridge - March 2018

Media Advisory - Traffic Disruptions in Preparation for the 10th Street Bridge - August 2019

Media Advisory - 10th Street Bridge Closure 

Media Advisory - 10th Street Bridge Closure - Transit Route Detours 

Media Advisory - Road Closures and Delays in preparation for 10th Street bridge closure

Media Advisory - 10th Street Bridge Closure Update (New Closure Date October 2, 2019)

Media Advisory - East-West Traffic on 9th Street at 1st Avenue West 

Media Advisory - Parking During the Closure of the 10th Street Bridge 

Media Advisory - 9th Street and 1st Avenue West Intersection 

Media Advisory - Remembrance Day Road Closure Changes

Media Advisory - 10th Street Bridge Milestone 6

Media Release - 10th Street Bridge to Reopen Friday, December 11

Background Studies - Schedule C Environmental Study Report 

 Version 1 - 10 January 2017
 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report
 Version 1 Appendices - 10 January 2017
 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report Appendices 
 Version 2 - 26 June 2018
 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report V2
 Version 2 - Appendices - 26 June 2018
 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report V2 Appendices
 Version 3 - 4 October 2018
 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report V3
 Version 3 Appendices - 4 October 2018

 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report V3 Appendices A-E

 10th Street Bridge Schedule C Environmental Study Report V3 Appendices F-N

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