Overview
The Town is undertaking the replacement of the Old Shiloh Bridge near the hamlet of Udora. The bridge has been operating beyond its functional service life and requires reconstruction.
The preliminary and detailed design phases of the project began in fall 2024, with a planned construction date of late 2025 or early 2026. Construction is expected to take place over two construction seasons.
Background
- Deterioration of the bridge has been observed for many years, with rehabilitative construction previously carried out in 1988, and 2011. Bridge inspections conducted in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 have confirmed the bridge’s poor condition, continuing deterioration and need for replacement.
- The Municipal Class Environment Assessment was completed in 2024. This planning study included public consultation, high-level analysis of design alternatives and recommended replacement of the existing structure with a new two-lane bridge.
- The objectives for replacement of the Old Shiloh Bridge include:
- Design and subsequent construction of a modern two-lane bridge to achieve:
- Increased vehicle and pedestrian safety
- Increased structural load carrying capacity
- Better accommodation for river hydraulics
- Compliance with current codes and standards
- Effective life cycle spanning roughly 75 years
- Coordination with heritage commemoration of the old bridge
- Protection of the environment and archaeological resources
- Safe, timely and cost-effective replacement of the bridge
- Design and subsequent construction of a modern two-lane bridge to achieve:
- In fall 2024, Tatham Engineering was awarded the owner’s advisor for this design-build project.
- The main tasks included in the owner’s advisor assignment include field investigations, preliminary design, stakeholder communications, pre-qualification of design-build contractors, development of the design-build request for proposals, proposal evaluation assistance and subsequent contract administration services.
Project updates
October 2024
The engineering design stage of the project began in fall 2024. The following briefly describes key aspects of the project:
Current status
- The project kick-off meeting occurred in September 2024
- Investigations will occur between October and December 2024 including:
- Topographic and legal surveys
- Environmental surveys (tree assessment, fish habitat, etc.)
- Geotechnical investigation
Next steps
- Complete field investigations
- Begin the preliminary design
- Begin the pre-qualification for approved design-build contractors.
Photos and videos
Photo of the existing structure
Bridge location
Public engagement
Project communications
Residents had the opportunity to share their feedback on this project during the Environmental Assessment process in early 2024. The project will include the following public engagement activities:
- Creation and posting of project-related information and regular updates to the Town-hosted project website and social media
- Distribution of letters/notices to local residents and businesses at key project milestones
Town Contact
Owen Sanders
Senior Project Manager
905-806-7470
osanders@georgina.ca
Consultant
Emma Wilkinson
ewilkinson@tathameng.com
Important links
Old Shiloh Bridge Environmental Assessment
The Old Shiloh Bridge Environmental Assessment was completed in 2024. This study included public consultation, preliminary investigations, analysis of rehabilitation and/or replacement alternatives and ultimately recommended to fully replace the existing structure with a two-lane bridge.