Tay staffer 'reminds everybody' Old Fort bridge repair isn't municipal project as final phase begins

Just when you thought it was okay to use Old Fort Road, they’ve closed it off for construction again.

Such was the announcement which came from Tay Township during its recent committee of the whole meeting, where general manager of operational services/manager of engineering Shawn Berriault informed council and residents of the closure.

“I just wanted to remind everybody that that’s not a Tay Township project; that’s a County of Simcoe project,” said Berriault.

Also known as CR-58, the section of Old Fort Road is to be closed from May 5 to June 3 as an expected conclusion date. Completion of the replacement project for Old Fort Overhead Bridge is anticipated to include backfill, final grading, paving and landscaping.

Complications had moved the timeline of the project to demolish and replace the bridge since last year, including hydro pole relocations and production issues.

Local traffic to homes on Old Fort Road will be maintained through the construction period, but all other traffic will be detoured to Elliot Side Road; emergency vehicle access will also be maintained throughout.

Since last year, the frequent closures have created impacts on detouring sideroads, as well as underneath along the Tay Shore Trail when path users were unable to directly connect to Midland during their Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival. This year, that festival is to take place on June 8, and the municipality assured the public that the trail would remain open and accessible for the duration of the road closure.  

Coun. Paul Raymond chimed in with an observation: “It’s funny how they can do (Highway) 400 overnight but the bridge can only be done during the day when people need the road.”

As a precaution, Tay is asking that children be warned to stay clear of the working area at all times, even when workers are not present.

For updates and further information on the Old Fort Overhead Bridge replacement, visit the project website at the County of Simcoe website.

Tay council meets for committee of the whole meetings every second Wednesday of the month, and regular council meetings every fourth Wednesday of the month. Archives and livestreams of council meetings are available through the Tay Township YouTube channel.