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 construction is underway.

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 construction is underway.

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.

  • Weekly Project Update - Oct 2

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    Work planned week of October 5 to October 9

    • Fabrication and installation of new structural steel for repair areas, including installation of new truss connection assemblies and replacement of deteriorated sections of the main bottom member of the truss.

    • Preparation for and placement of another section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of September 28 to October 2

    • Removal of deteriorated sections of the main bottom member of the truss and fabrication of new connection plate assemblies for structural steel repair areas.

    • Installation of steel dowels, mesh and wood formwork for the next section of concrete refacing on the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

    Work planned week of October 5 to October 9

    • Fabrication and installation of new structural steel for repair areas, including installation of new truss connection assemblies and replacement of deteriorated sections of the main bottom member of the truss.

    • Preparation for and placement of another section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of September 28 to October 2

    • Removal of deteriorated sections of the main bottom member of the truss and fabrication of new connection plate assemblies for structural steel repair areas.

    • Installation of steel dowels, mesh and wood formwork for the next section of concrete refacing on the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - September 28

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    Work planned week of September 28 to October 2

    • Concrete Work: Pour another section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    • Steel Repairs: Continue making permanent repairs to the structural steel.

    Work completed week of September 21 to September 25

    • Work continued on repairing and updating the concrete retaining wall along Ecclestone Drive.

    • Bridge Profile: The bridge was lifted and adjusted to improve its position and alignment.

    • Permanent repairs to the bridge's structural steel resumed after the lifting work was completed.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

    Work planned week of September 28 to October 2

    • Concrete Work: Pour another section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    • Steel Repairs: Continue making permanent repairs to the structural steel.

    Work completed week of September 21 to September 25

    • Work continued on repairing and updating the concrete retaining wall along Ecclestone Drive.

    • Bridge Profile: The bridge was lifted and adjusted to improve its position and alignment.

    • Permanent repairs to the bridge's structural steel resumed after the lifting work was completed.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - September 21

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    Work planned Week of September 21 to September 25

    • Continue permanent structural steel repairs on Silver Bridge.
    • Install dowels and wire mesh and pour concrete refacing along the retaining wall.

    Work completed Week of September 14 to September 18

    • Continued the Ecclestone Drive concrete retaining wall refacing. Work included partial depth concrete removals, installation of dowels and mesh.
    • Crews also began installing new formwork for the next section of concrete refacing.

    Community impacts

    There are no new impacts for motorists or pedestrians this week.

    Work planned Week of September 21 to September 25

    • Continue permanent structural steel repairs on Silver Bridge.
    • Install dowels and wire mesh and pour concrete refacing along the retaining wall.

    Work completed Week of September 14 to September 18

    • Continued the Ecclestone Drive concrete retaining wall refacing. Work included partial depth concrete removals, installation of dowels and mesh.
    • Crews also began installing new formwork for the next section of concrete refacing.

    Community impacts

    There are no new impacts for motorists or pedestrians this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - September 14

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    Work planned week of September 14 to September 18

    • The contractor will continue repairs to the permanent structural steel.
    • Installation of dowels and wire mesh is planned to support upcoming concrete work.
    • The contractor will form another section of concrete refacing along the retaining wall.

    Work completed week of September 7 to September 11

    • The contractor finished removing the permanent structural steel components. Cleaning, sandblasting, and priming of the existing steel began in preparation for installing new steel components.
    • Forms were removed from the Ecclestone Drive concrete retaining wall refacing.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

    Work planned week of September 14 to September 18

    • The contractor will continue repairs to the permanent structural steel.
    • Installation of dowels and wire mesh is planned to support upcoming concrete work.
    • The contractor will form another section of concrete refacing along the retaining wall.

    Work completed week of September 7 to September 11

    • The contractor finished removing the permanent structural steel components. Cleaning, sandblasting, and priming of the existing steel began in preparation for installing new steel components.
    • Forms were removed from the Ecclestone Drive concrete retaining wall refacing.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - September 4

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    Work planned week of September 7 to September 11

    • Continue permanent structural steel repairs to the main truss now that the bridge is in the temporarily supported condition.
    • Install wood formwork to complete another section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of August 31 to September 4

    • Removal of old structural steel components to be replaced.
    • Sandblasting (high pressure air that blasts abrasive particles to clean a surface) and priming of existing steel to remain prior to installing new steel replacement components.
    • Completed a concrete pour on the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall refacing.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

    Work planned week of September 7 to September 11

    • Continue permanent structural steel repairs to the main truss now that the bridge is in the temporarily supported condition.
    • Install wood formwork to complete another section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of August 31 to September 4

    • Removal of old structural steel components to be replaced.
    • Sandblasting (high pressure air that blasts abrasive particles to clean a surface) and priming of existing steel to remain prior to installing new steel replacement components.
    • Completed a concrete pour on the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall refacing.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new impacts for residents or pedestrians this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - August 31

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    Work planned for week of August 31 to September 4

    • Continue permanent structural steel repairs to the damaged members on the bottom side of the truss.
    • Pour a section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of August 24 to August 28

    • Completed bridge jacking (lifting) and set bridge in its temporary position to facilitate structural steel repairs.
    • Installed sidewalk strong backs (temporary supports) and began the removal of permanent structural steel components to be repaired.

    Community impacts

    No new impacts for motorists or pedestrians this week.

    Work planned for week of August 31 to September 4

    • Continue permanent structural steel repairs to the damaged members on the bottom side of the truss.
    • Pour a section of concrete refacing along the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of August 24 to August 28

    • Completed bridge jacking (lifting) and set bridge in its temporary position to facilitate structural steel repairs.
    • Installed sidewalk strong backs (temporary supports) and began the removal of permanent structural steel components to be repaired.

    Community impacts

    No new impacts for motorists or pedestrians this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - August 24

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    Work planned for week of August 24 to August 28

    Crews will:

    • Continue placing concrete blocks on the south side and raise the bridge to its resting height,
    • and begin structural steel repairs on the underside of the truss.

    Work completed week of August 17 to August 21

    • Crews finished installing the south spine beam, along with jacking support beams and plates and the jacks for raising the bridge
    • Crews installed additional sidewalk supports and began jacking (lifting) the bridge to facilitate structural steel repairs to members on the underside of the truss.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new community impacts for this week.

    Work planned for week of August 24 to August 28

    Crews will:

    • Continue placing concrete blocks on the south side and raise the bridge to its resting height,
    • and begin structural steel repairs on the underside of the truss.

    Work completed week of August 17 to August 21

    • Crews finished installing the south spine beam, along with jacking support beams and plates and the jacks for raising the bridge
    • Crews installed additional sidewalk supports and began jacking (lifting) the bridge to facilitate structural steel repairs to members on the underside of the truss.

    Community impacts

    • There are no new community impacts for this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - August 17

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    Work planned week of August 17 to August 21

    • Crews will finish installing the jacking system at both ends of the bridge (equipment used to lift the bridge), including rollers, jacks, and transverse beams that run side to side across the bridge.
    • Weather and progress permitting, the contractor expects to begin lifting the bridge later this week.

    Work completed week of August 10 to August 14

    • Crews finished installing the launching mechanism (equipment used to move large lifting beams into place) at the south end of the bridge and installed the south lifting beams.
    • Crews built and poured a concrete ballast block at the north end for the lifting beams.

    Community impacts

    • No new community impacts are anticipated this week.

    Work planned week of August 17 to August 21

    • Crews will finish installing the jacking system at both ends of the bridge (equipment used to lift the bridge), including rollers, jacks, and transverse beams that run side to side across the bridge.
    • Weather and progress permitting, the contractor expects to begin lifting the bridge later this week.

    Work completed week of August 10 to August 14

    • Crews finished installing the launching mechanism (equipment used to move large lifting beams into place) at the south end of the bridge and installed the south lifting beams.
    • Crews built and poured a concrete ballast block at the north end for the lifting beams.

    Community impacts

    • No new community impacts are anticipated this week.

  • Weekly Project Update - August 10

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    Work planned week of August 10 to August 14

    • Installation of equipment on the south side of the bridge that will be used to move the large spine beams into place.
    • Installation of the bridge jacking equipment on the north side of the bridge, including rollers, jacks, and other supporting components, in preparation for lifting the bridge.
    • Installation of steel dowels, wire mesh, and formwork for the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of August 3 to August 7

    • Continued installation of the spine beam launching mechanism at the south end of the bridge (used to lift and move the large spine beams into place) and moved the spine beams into position in preparation for bridge jacking.
    • Temporary supports installed to reinforce sidewalk sections during bridge jacking.
    • Refaced another section of the south concrete retaining wall.

    Community impacts
    No new impacts to residents or pedestrians currently.

    Work planned week of August 10 to August 14

    • Installation of equipment on the south side of the bridge that will be used to move the large spine beams into place.
    • Installation of the bridge jacking equipment on the north side of the bridge, including rollers, jacks, and other supporting components, in preparation for lifting the bridge.
    • Installation of steel dowels, wire mesh, and formwork for the Ecclestone Drive retaining wall.

    Work completed week of August 3 to August 7

    • Continued installation of the spine beam launching mechanism at the south end of the bridge (used to lift and move the large spine beams into place) and moved the spine beams into position in preparation for bridge jacking.
    • Temporary supports installed to reinforce sidewalk sections during bridge jacking.
    • Refaced another section of the south concrete retaining wall.

    Community impacts
    No new impacts to residents or pedestrians currently.

  • Weekly Project Update - August 3

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    Work planned week of August 3 to August 7

    • View of the temporary rail system for the spine beam launch. Continue installation of the spine beam launching mechanism at the south end of the bridge (used to lift and move the large spine beams into place) and move the spine beams into position in preparation for bridge jacking.
    • Temporary supports will be installed to reinforce sidewalk sections during bridge jacking.
    • Reface another section of the south concrete retaining wall.

    Work completed week of July 27 to July 31

    • Crews completed the alignment and installation of the spine beam launching mechanism at the north end of the bridge, including temporary supports for lifting the beams into place.
    • Installation of concrete forms (to hold concrete in place while it's poured) along the Ecclestone drive retaining wall.

    Community impacts
    No new impacts to residents or pedestrians currently.

    Work planned week of August 3 to August 7

    • View of the temporary rail system for the spine beam launch. Continue installation of the spine beam launching mechanism at the south end of the bridge (used to lift and move the large spine beams into place) and move the spine beams into position in preparation for bridge jacking.
    • Temporary supports will be installed to reinforce sidewalk sections during bridge jacking.
    • Reface another section of the south concrete retaining wall.

    Work completed week of July 27 to July 31

    • Crews completed the alignment and installation of the spine beam launching mechanism at the north end of the bridge, including temporary supports for lifting the beams into place.
    • Installation of concrete forms (to hold concrete in place while it's poured) along the Ecclestone drive retaining wall.

    Community impacts
    No new impacts to residents or pedestrians currently.

Page last updated: 02 Oct 2026, 09:53 AM