Region approves $23.4M plan to replace Scheifele Bridge in Woolwich
Posted Sep 28, 2023 11:04:31 AM.
Last Updated Sep 28, 2023 11:24:01 AM.
There will be no more repairs on the Scheifele Bridge in Woolwich Township, right near the Waterloo border.
Regional councillors have approved a $23.4 million dollar plan to fully replace the bridge on Northfield Drive, near University Avenue.
The 63-year-old bridge over the Conestogo River has been repaired many times over the years.
The new bridge will be wider and included paved shoulders for both buggies and cyclists.
It will also feature a sidewalk with a concrete barrier to better protect pedestrians, with the hopes it will last 75 years.
Scheifele Bridge replacement plans. September 23, 2023.
During public consultations, both area residents and the Mennonite community were consulted, with the the main areas of concern focusing on traffic flow during construction, controlling speed on the bridge (which is heavily travelled by buggies and cyclists), and protecting wetland areas.
The budget approval means the design phase is up next with construction is expected to start in 2025 and wrap up in 2027.
Regional staff note, construction on the new structure will be slightly to the west of the existing Scheifele Bridge, meaning two-way traffic will be maintained during the two-year construction period.
