GROUP HAS AN IDEA TO SAVE BRIDGE

Consideration — that's all the Friends of Andrewsville Bridge (FAB) are asking for before a decision is made to close a more than 100-year-old bridge.

Last fall, after hearing of Jewell Engineering's recommendation to close the bridge to vehicles within five years, restricting it to pedestrian traffic only, FAB resurrected their fight to save it.

A few months of research later, FAB members Karen Cunningham and Rory Blaisdell made the rounds to Lanark County, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG), Montague and Merrickville-wolford councils in February.

"We're a passionate group of people trying to provide a collaborative solution to a complex situation," Cunningham said. "We may not have all the answers, but we wanted to open the door."

Built in the early 1900s, the rivetted heritage truss Andrewsville Bridge straddles Montague and Merrickville-wolford and is jointly owned and maintained by

Lanark County and UCLG. Lanark County is taking the lead on the environmental assessment process to determine options for the deteriorating bridge's future. According to the latest Feb. 22 report by Lanark County's public works manager, Sean Derouin, rehabilitating the bridge is estimated at $2 million, while its replacement is around $4 million. Converting it to a pedestrian bridge would cost $50,000.

However, public feedback to Lanark County indicates 63 per cent would like to see the bridge rehabilitated or replaced.

FAB has come up with what it believes is a viable alternative to save the bridge, keep it open yearround (it's currently closed from Dec. 1 to March 31 annually) and has a lower price tag. Made by Algonquin Bridge Ltd., it's a prefabricated modular panel bridge system that could be placed over the existing structure. The cost estimate the group received is $1 to 1.28 million. There's also an option for a pedestrian causeway.

"This is a win-win. It preserves the historic value, esthetic quality and is environmentally sustainable," Cunningham remarked. "It ticks all the boxes."

FAB has received letters of support from Montague and Merrickville-wolford councils, as well as Merrickville fire Chief Brad Cole.

From a climate change perspective, Blaisdell said decommissioning the bridge is too expensive. Lanark County classifies Andrewsville Road as low volume. The last traffic count from 2018 estimates it sees 200 vehicles per day. If closed, the two detour options presented by the county through Burritts Rapids or Merrickville, add about 10 kilometres each way.

"My napkin math came to a litre of fuel each time someone has to detour and that costs the community $100,000 to $150,000 every year," he explained. "Over a 25-year lifespan, and that's small for a bridge, that comes to $2.5 to $3.5 million."

Cunningham noted the group is coming at the issue from a planning perspective, not an emotional one. She pointed out Montague's official plan indicates Andrewsville as a settlement area, targeted for future new development, so closing the bridge is "a bit short-sighted."

Growth projections, which FAB sourced from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Statistics Canada, are another factor.

"Lanark County's population projections for 2031,

which is really soon, is (that it is) going to grow by 65.7 per cent and Leeds and Grenville by 88.9 per cent," Cunningham said to Lanark County's public works committee Feb. 22. "That's

over 108,000 new people."

She cautioned UCLG council on Feb. 23 there will be more of an impact if the bridge closes, due to detour routes. While some councillors were skeptical of the statistics presented, Coun. Robin Jones (Westport mayor), said "we will look at it with an open mind."

"We need to bring this to fruition at some point, whether it's to close it or to do an alternative," she stated.

Both counties have yet to make a decision on the bridge's future. A staff report is expected at UCLG committee of the whole this month and Lanark County council referred the matter back to staff for more consideration.

To view FAB'S presentations and sign a petition, visit andrewsvillebridge.ca.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: After learning a local bridge could close, a citizen group is taking action. Editor Ashley Kulp spoke with Friends of Andrewsville Bridge members on how their option could save the structure.