The study encompasses an area starting from 200m north of Lorne Bridge and running to 200m south of the TH&B Railway River Crossing along the Grand River.

Aerial view of the bridges in Brantford, Canada

Lorne Bridge currently carries traffic across the Grand River with a 30t load limit in the winter.

Brant’s Crossing Bridge was closed in February 2018 following flooding and ice; the bridge formerly carried pedestrian and cyclist traffic over the Grand River and would require structural repairs in order to be reopened.

The TH&B bridge currently carries pedestrian and cyclist traffic over the Grand River and has been identified as requiring structural repairs to maintain the existing crossing.

The recommended design options for the three bridges are summarised as follows:

  • rehabilitate Lorne Bridge (US$6.5 million initial capital cost and US$25.7 million lifecycle cost);
  • replace and raise Brant’s Crossing Bridge (US$3.4 million initial capital cost and US$4.8 million lifecycle cost);
  • minor rehabilitation and eventual removal of TH&B Crossing Bridge (US$0.2 million initial capital cost and US$0.8 million lifecycle cost).

The report was produced for the city by GM BluePlan Engineering.