Silver Bridge Closure and Recovery

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The Silver Bridge in the Town of Bracebridge is fully closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic in both directions while a detailed structural assessment is underway.

April 17, 2026 Update:

Monday, April 20 - Crews will be adding reinforcement to the bridge's structural supports and setting up access for workers. At the Ecclestone Drive retaining walls, workers will be removing sections of concrete and setting up site access.

Tuesday, April 21 - Crews will continue adding reinforcement to the bridge's structural supports. At the Ecclestone Drive retaining walls, work continues on concrete removal, including measuring and inspecting the areas where concrete has been removed to determine if deeper removal is needed.

Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24 - Crews will continue adding reinforcement to the bridge's structural supports. At the Ecclestone Drive retaining walls, workers will be doing more extensive concrete removal.

April 10, 2026 Update:

Construction work on Silver Bridge for the week of April 13 to 17 activities include:

Monday, April 13: Scaffolding and access equipment will be installed to support upcoming structural strengthening work. Crews will begin removing sections of concrete from the retaining walls and setting up site access.

Tuesday, April 14: Bracing and blocking will be installed, and structural strengthening of the bridge trusses will begin. Concrete removal and access work will continue with the retaining walls.

Wednesday, April 15 to Friday, April 17: Structural strengthening of the bridge trusses will continue. Concrete removal and access work will continue with the retaining walls.

Feb. 3, 2026 Update:


A detailed structural review and rehabilitation plan was completed and repair work is now underway.
Clearwater Structures Inc. are on site this week installing a temporary support structure that will be used during construction. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by the end of 2026.

Detour Information

  • Detours: Detour routes are in place for safe travel to and from the Main Street area. Most drivers will only experience minimal delays.

  • Navigation Apps: Municipal 511 has been updated with detour information, helping to keep Google Maps and Waze current.

  • Updates: We’ll continue to share updates as they become available.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of everyone using District infrastructure. Updates will be shared as they become available.

Background

In early January 2025, Bracebridge Operations staff noticed that the clearance for sidewalk equipment on the bridge looked different than usual. This prompted a closer inspection by District staff and a Senior Structural Engineer, which revealed some deformation in the bridge’s truss members.

A careful, expert-driven selection process

Before selecting Clearwater Construction, the District undertook a detailed and deliberate process to ensure the bridge could be safely rehabilitated and that the most qualified contractor was chosen.

This work included:

  • Conducting an in-depth analysis of the failed structural condition and assessing the feasibility of rehabilitation.
  • Evaluating how weight and loading were distributed across the bridge under the damaged condition.
  • Consulting with industry experts to determine the safest and most effective rehabilitation approach.
  • Requesting and reviewing expressions of interest from experienced heavy civil contractors and shortlisting the top three firms based on expertise and capacity.
  • Interviewing shortlisted contractors, clarifying scope, and reviewing detailed technical and cost proposals before selecting a preferred partner.

This new, two-stage selection process was designed to secure the best industry expertise at the best overall value, ensuring the rehabilitation is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest engineering standards.

The Silver Bridge in the Town of Bracebridge is fully closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic in both directions while a detailed structural assessment is underway.

April 17, 2026 Update:

Monday, April 20 - Crews will be adding reinforcement to the bridge's structural supports and setting up access for workers. At the Ecclestone Drive retaining walls, workers will be removing sections of concrete and setting up site access.

Tuesday, April 21 - Crews will continue adding reinforcement to the bridge's structural supports. At the Ecclestone Drive retaining walls, work continues on concrete removal, including measuring and inspecting the areas where concrete has been removed to determine if deeper removal is needed.

Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24 - Crews will continue adding reinforcement to the bridge's structural supports. At the Ecclestone Drive retaining walls, workers will be doing more extensive concrete removal.

April 10, 2026 Update:

Construction work on Silver Bridge for the week of April 13 to 17 activities include:

Monday, April 13: Scaffolding and access equipment will be installed to support upcoming structural strengthening work. Crews will begin removing sections of concrete from the retaining walls and setting up site access.

Tuesday, April 14: Bracing and blocking will be installed, and structural strengthening of the bridge trusses will begin. Concrete removal and access work will continue with the retaining walls.

Wednesday, April 15 to Friday, April 17: Structural strengthening of the bridge trusses will continue. Concrete removal and access work will continue with the retaining walls.

Feb. 3, 2026 Update:


A detailed structural review and rehabilitation plan was completed and repair work is now underway.
Clearwater Structures Inc. are on site this week installing a temporary support structure that will be used during construction. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by the end of 2026.

Detour Information

  • Detours: Detour routes are in place for safe travel to and from the Main Street area. Most drivers will only experience minimal delays.

  • Navigation Apps: Municipal 511 has been updated with detour information, helping to keep Google Maps and Waze current.

  • Updates: We’ll continue to share updates as they become available.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of everyone using District infrastructure. Updates will be shared as they become available.

Background

In early January 2025, Bracebridge Operations staff noticed that the clearance for sidewalk equipment on the bridge looked different than usual. This prompted a closer inspection by District staff and a Senior Structural Engineer, which revealed some deformation in the bridge’s truss members.

A careful, expert-driven selection process

Before selecting Clearwater Construction, the District undertook a detailed and deliberate process to ensure the bridge could be safely rehabilitated and that the most qualified contractor was chosen.

This work included:

  • Conducting an in-depth analysis of the failed structural condition and assessing the feasibility of rehabilitation.
  • Evaluating how weight and loading were distributed across the bridge under the damaged condition.
  • Consulting with industry experts to determine the safest and most effective rehabilitation approach.
  • Requesting and reviewing expressions of interest from experienced heavy civil contractors and shortlisting the top three firms based on expertise and capacity.
  • Interviewing shortlisted contractors, clarifying scope, and reviewing detailed technical and cost proposals before selecting a preferred partner.

This new, two-stage selection process was designed to secure the best industry expertise at the best overall value, ensuring the rehabilitation is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest engineering standards.

  • Construction Begins on Silver Bridge

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    supporting image

    February 4, 2026 (Muskoka, ON) - The District of Muskoka has initiated the next phase of work this week to complete repairs of the historic Silver Bridge in the Town of Bracebridge. Clearwater Structures Inc. is on site installing a temporary support structure that will be used during construction. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by the end of 2026.

    The District temporarily closed vehicle and pedestrian access to Silver Bridge in January 2025 as a public safety measure following a review of site conditions. A detailed structural review and rehabilitation plan was completed and repair work is now underway.

    “Silver Bridge is not just a road, it is the heart of the Town of Bracebridge. We’ve heard how important this iconic bridge is to the community and we’re making extra efforts to keep everyone informed as we work on repairs,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “We understand this closure creates challenges and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to ensure the safety of everyone using this bridge.”

    What residents need to know:

    • Detours: Detour routes remain in place for safe travel to and from the Main Street area. Most drivers will only experience minimal delays. Municipal 511 has been updated with detour information, helping to keep Google Maps and Waze current.
    • Scheduling: As with all road construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. The District will provide advance notice where possible.

    February 4, 2026 (Muskoka, ON) - The District of Muskoka has initiated the next phase of work this week to complete repairs of the historic Silver Bridge in the Town of Bracebridge. Clearwater Structures Inc. is on site installing a temporary support structure that will be used during construction. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by the end of 2026.

    The District temporarily closed vehicle and pedestrian access to Silver Bridge in January 2025 as a public safety measure following a review of site conditions. A detailed structural review and rehabilitation plan was completed and repair work is now underway.

    “Silver Bridge is not just a road, it is the heart of the Town of Bracebridge. We’ve heard how important this iconic bridge is to the community and we’re making extra efforts to keep everyone informed as we work on repairs,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works. “We understand this closure creates challenges and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to ensure the safety of everyone using this bridge.”

    What residents need to know:

    • Detours: Detour routes remain in place for safe travel to and from the Main Street area. Most drivers will only experience minimal delays. Municipal 511 has been updated with detour information, helping to keep Google Maps and Waze current.
    • Scheduling: As with all road construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. The District will provide advance notice where possible.

  • July 2025 Update

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    What’s happening now? (Update July 2025)

    The District has started the process of finding a qualified contractor to repair and restore the Silver Bridge. An “Expression of Interest” (EOI) was recently released to gather submissions from contractors who have the experience and skills to do the work.

    Contractors will provide information about their qualifications, and the District will use these submissions to create a shortlist of candidates. Those shortlisted contractors will then be invited to participate in the next stage of the process, where they’ll receive a detailed overview of the repairs required.

    The contractor selection process is expected to continue through summer 2025, with site work anticipated to begin in fall 2025.

    What have we done since?

    Detailed condition assessments have confirmed that the primary issue is a failure at a connection point on the western truss. Specifically, both gusset plates on this truss were found to be sheared and buckled, which caused the western truss to shift out of alignment.

    The District’s structural consultant, DM Wills(External link), has completed several important assessments to explore whether the bridge can be safely brought back into service:

    1. Load Transfer Analysis: A model was developed to assess the bridge's current load capacity. The results confirmed that the bridge must remain closed until repairs or a replacement are completed.

    2. Capacity Analysis vs. Modern Standards: Because of the bridge's age and later modifications (like the sidewalk), its capacity was analyzed against current Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code requirements. Early results suggest the bridge, in its original design, can meet modern traffic load standards.

    While these findings support the potential for rehabilitation, further investigations are underway. For more technical details, you can review the findings in Council report 7(2025)-4(External link).

    What’s happening now? (Update July 2025)

    The District has started the process of finding a qualified contractor to repair and restore the Silver Bridge. An “Expression of Interest” (EOI) was recently released to gather submissions from contractors who have the experience and skills to do the work.

    Contractors will provide information about their qualifications, and the District will use these submissions to create a shortlist of candidates. Those shortlisted contractors will then be invited to participate in the next stage of the process, where they’ll receive a detailed overview of the repairs required.

    The contractor selection process is expected to continue through summer 2025, with site work anticipated to begin in fall 2025.

    What have we done since?

    Detailed condition assessments have confirmed that the primary issue is a failure at a connection point on the western truss. Specifically, both gusset plates on this truss were found to be sheared and buckled, which caused the western truss to shift out of alignment.

    The District’s structural consultant, DM Wills(External link), has completed several important assessments to explore whether the bridge can be safely brought back into service:

    1. Load Transfer Analysis: A model was developed to assess the bridge's current load capacity. The results confirmed that the bridge must remain closed until repairs or a replacement are completed.

    2. Capacity Analysis vs. Modern Standards: Because of the bridge's age and later modifications (like the sidewalk), its capacity was analyzed against current Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code requirements. Early results suggest the bridge, in its original design, can meet modern traffic load standards.

    While these findings support the potential for rehabilitation, further investigations are underway. For more technical details, you can review the findings in Council report 7(2025)-4(External link).

  • Silver Bridge History

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    The History of Silver Bridge:

    • Built in the late 1920s
    • Three Span Bridge: two steel girder approach sections and one main “through truss” (46m) spanning the Muskoka River.
    • Located in a “severe” environment spanning the Muskoka River at the Bracebridge Falls Dam.



    The History of Silver Bridge:

    • Built in the late 1920s
    • Three Span Bridge: two steel girder approach sections and one main “through truss” (46m) spanning the Muskoka River.
    • Located in a “severe” environment spanning the Muskoka River at the Bracebridge Falls Dam.



Page last updated: 17 Apr 2026, 01:09 PM