Emergency repairs to Black Bridge will cost $130,000

Damage caused by a transport truck that rammed into the steel truss bridge on Black Bridge Road in November is forcing the City of Cambridge to undertake $130,000 in emergency repairs.

The semi tractor trailer was eastbound on Black Bridge when it struck the bridge on Nov. 4. Police later determined the truck exceeded the load and height restrictions on the bridge. 

Waterloo Regional Police and the city’s roads division were on site to respond, and closed the road and bridge to traffic overnight. 

An assessment of the damage by an outside consultant determined the diagonal brace and transverse truss members on the west side of the bridge were compromised by the collision. 

The bridge has sustained similar damage in the past, most recently in 2016 when emergency repairs were undertaken. 

The city is planning to upgrade the bridge in 2023 while maintaining the existing Black Bridge structure as an active transportation crossing for a planned multi-use trail.

In the meantime, repairs are necessary to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity.

Wood Structural Engineering told the city that damage to the transverse truss members lowers their structural capacity to withstand high wind loading and must be replaced prior to planned work in 2023.

The city says its risk and compliance staff have initiated the process to recover all eligible costs from the party responsible for the collision. 

All non-eligible costs will require funding from the city’s rate stabilization reserve.

The Black Bridge was constructed in 1916 and, according to Canada's Historic Places, was recognized for its cultural value, interest and construction.

It is the only steel bridge of its kind in Cambridge.