Ava Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project Update

BRANTFORD, ON: The Ava Road Bridge, built in 1958, spans 59.73 m in Brantford between Paris Road and Brant Avenue. It crosses 2 Canadian National Railway (CNR) tracks and a service road, with nearby intersections at Ava Road/Brant Avenue and Paris Road/Terrace Hill Street. Major rehabilitation of the bridge occurred in 1985 and 1998, involving expansion joint removal, concrete patch repairs, bearing replacement, and deck work.

Given the scope and scale of the current rehabilitation project, it has been split into two stages to better accommodate traffic flow and increase safety.

Phase 1, completed in 2019, improved the Paris Rd/Terrace Hill Street intersection, enhancing pedestrian safety. It began with intersection redesign and ended with roadway, curb, sidewalk, boulevard, storm sewer, and related work.

Phase 2 is expected to begin in mid-October and includes deck repairs, realigning roads and sidewalks, and installing pedestrian crossing signals.

The new and improved bridge will incorporate several enhancements, including the reopening of all four lanes for vehicle traffic, the relocation of the pedestrian crossing signal, a shift of the sidewalk to the south side of the bridge to ensure a continuous pathway for active transportation, and enhancements aimed at bolstering the safety of both motorists and pedestrians at the Ava Road and Brant Avenue intersection. 

Approved construction approach  

City staff, in collaboration with our engineering consultant, McIntosh Perry, conducted a thorough analysis of the project's timeline, costs, and potential impacts. The analysis performed by McIntosh Perry demonstrated significant savings in both time and financial resources if the bridge were to be completely closed during the latter part of Phase 2 of the rehabilitation project. As it proves to be the most efficient and cost-effective approach while minimizing disruptions to the community, City Council approved this recommended approach in March 2023.

Despite minor setbacks due to ongoing discussions with CNR with respect to their requirements for the structure, the project is currently progressing as planned. The contractor has been selected, and Phase 2 construction will begin the week of October 15^th, 2023. Initially, only Ava Road will be closed to complete the watermain work required.

The full closure of the bridge will occur in early 2024. Clearly marked detour signage will be in place to divert traffic while construction is taking place. 

The entire rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in April, 2024.

Keeping the public informed

As the City’s engineering consultant finalizes the design drawings and specifications, our commitment remains to keep the public well-informed of exact timing of the bridge closure and detour routes that are put in place during construction.

We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as we work diligently to enhance our city's infrastructure while considering the best interests and safety of our community.

For regular updates, please subscribe to the Ava Road Rehabilitation project page at brantford.ca/AvaRoadBridge.

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