Abstract Manager

The Beaver River Bridge carries Durham Region’s Regional Road 15 over the Beaver River, immediately west of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 12), in the Township of Brock. Built in 1965 by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) as part of the Highway 12 Beaverton Bypass, it provides a critical connection between Downtown Beaverton and Highway 12.

In November 2023, the bridge was closed after a structural assessment indicated a substantial reduction in the bridge’s load carrying capacity, requiring a 7-tonne weight restriction. Because such a low weight limit was impractical to enforce, the bridge remained closed pending replacement, with design and construction expected to take several years. A temporary bridge was proposed to quickly restore full traffic loads and support staged construction of the permanent replacement.

The project required close coordination with MTO, who indicated they would transfer the bridge to the Region and requested the Region to complete the work with MTO funding. On May 17, 2024, MTO approved funding for the bridge replacement, including a temporary structure. On May 29, 2024, Regional Council declared the closure an Emergency and authorized Region staff to design and construct both temporary and permanent bridges. Region staff immediately began design for the temporary bridge and related roadworks, collaborating with Algonquin Bridge, to supply the modular bridge components. The original structure was demolished in August 2024, and the road was reopened on November 14, 2024.

The 45.72m single-span temporary bridge carries two lanes of traffic and is rated for a CL-625-ONT design load. The truss configuration is DDHR2++, with a standing height of over six metres. The modular structure is supported on reinforced concrete abutments with helical piles. The road alignment at the temporary bridge has been shifted to accommodate staged construction of the replacement bridge.

The limited right-of-way, proximity to an intersection, and the alignment shift created significant design challenges. The project required approvals from MTO, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

Working closely together, the Region, Algonquin, and the Contractor collaborated on an innovative construction plan to suit the site’s constraints. The existing bridge was removed using floating barges, providing a fast and safe platform with minimal environmental impact. The temporary bridge was assembled on site and launched into place with crane assistance.

The result is a rapid, effective infrastructure solution that improves safety and supports the community, offering a model applicable to other jurisdictions.