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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.
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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.
