Belleville approves $4M rehabilitation of Front Street Upper Bridge

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

Further discussion focused on the need for a detailed traffic analysis to help determine the long-term role and function of the bridge.

The Traffic Impact Study supports the rehabilitation of the bridge for vehicular and pedestrian use (status quo) as it will be necessary over the
long-term to support a dependable transportation network. With this recommendation from the traffic consultant detailed scoping and costing of:

• Rehabilitating the bridge for pedestrian use only
• Rehabilitating the bridge for a special event space
• Closure and removal of the bridge

was not investigated further as it would require new consultant fees of approximately $100,000 including the preparation of a Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report (CHER) along with further engineering analysis in alignment with the CHER.

If Council wished to scope and cost the three other options, staff will be able to undertake this review and a revised rehabilitation option could occur in the 2027 construction season.

Traffic study

If the Upper Bridge were closed, the intersections included in the study would still function at an acceptable level during the 2025, 2030, and 2035 traffic conditions.

Looking ahead to 2035, closing the Upper Bridge would cause westbound traffic on Station Street turning right onto Pinnacle Street to back up into the outside through lane during busy morning, afternoon, and weekend periods. This is considered acceptable because Station Street has two westbound through lanes. Similarly, closing the Upper Bridge would cause eastbound traffic on Grove Street turning left onto Pinnacle Street to back up and block the eastbound through and right turn movements at the North Front Street / Harriett Street intersection. This could potentially be mitigated with traffic signal timing revisions.

By 2045, with the Upper Bridge closed, the intersection of Pinnacle Street and Front/Station Street would continue to operate at an acceptable level, however, drivers would experience more delay, most turning movements would have a lower service level, and the westbound right turn lane would be close to full capacity.

No left turn at Pinnacle St and Moira St E intersection

Because drivers are not allowed to turn left at this intersection, permanently closing the Upper Bridge would force many vehicles to take longer routes to reach Moira Street East and West. This could encourage some drivers to ignore the “No Left Turn” restriction, creating potential safety issues.