Upper Bridge is a concrete bowstring arch structure over the Moira River originally constructed around 1930 and spans approximately 65m. It is located just south of the Sagonaska Bridge that supports Pinnacle Street across the Moira River:
In 1992, a major rehabilitation was carried out which generally consisted of the full depth replacement of the concrete deck, reinforcement (encasement) of the existing floor beams and the completion of partial depth concrete repairs on the arch elements (arch ribs, arch tie beam and arch hangers).
The bridge has underwent a minor rehabilitation in 2003 generally consisting of localized partial depth concrete repairs on the arch ribs, arch hangers, pedestrian barrier and top of concrete sidewalk.
Following a Request for Prequalification (RFPQ), a Request for Proposals RFP-ENG2018-20 for Consulting Services for the Design of the Front Street (Upper) Bridge Rehabilitation (Capital Budget Issue 2018-1.013) was issued in 2018. HP Engineering Inc. was retained through RFPENG2018-20 (18-1.013 – $175,000) to complete a detailed review and design for the rehabilitation of this structure. The review and design have been completed and it is anticipated that this bridge rehabilitation project will be recommended in the 2023 or 2024 Capital Budget in alignment with the City’s Asset Management Plan.
Report ENG-2022-06, Front Street (Upper) Bridge Rehabilitation, was written to answer questions about whether the bridge could be painted, closed, or used as an event space. The report recommended moving ahead with the planned rehabilitation work and studying the long term role of the Upper Bridge as part of the upcoming Transportation Master Plan update.
During the November 18, 2024 meeting, Council discussed several potential future outcomes for the structure, including:
- Rehabilitation of the bridge to maintain both vehicular and pedestrian use (status quo)
- Rehabilitation for pedestrian use only
- Rehabilitation for repurposing the bridge as a special event space
- Full closure and removal of the structure
Capital funding for rehabilitation work on the Upper Bridge was approved by Council as part of the 2025 Capital Budget.
$4,175,000.00 (18-1.013 – $175,000 and 25-1.011 – $4,000,000) has been approved for the design and construction of the Front Street (Upper) Bridge Rehabilitation. If a new bridge was constructed today, it is estimated to cost $15 Million.
