by Paul Morden for the Sarnia Observer
(2012) The future of a more than century-old steel bridge on Sarnia’s lakefront is undetermined, for now.
Built in 1910, the span crosses the Cull Drain, also known as Perch Creek, on Old Lakeshore Road, but has only been used by pedestrians and cyclists since it closed to regular traffic following a storm in the early 1970s that washed away part of the lakefront roadway.
Last week, a consulting engineering firm that inspected the bridge recommended it close.
Mike Berkvens, development manager at Sarnia City Hall, said fences and signs went up the following day and the bridge is now closed until further notice.
“There was a lot of eroded steel,” he said, “so there’s a cause for concern.”
Another engineering firm will review options for the future of the crossing.
“We need to get some costs and then present it to council, and get some direction,” Berkvens said.
It’s expected the engineering firm will develop cost estimates for removing the bridge, refurbishing it, as well as possible replacements.
“There are pre-manufactured walking bridges that are quite economical,” Berkvens said.
Sarnia’s Ron Collacott, who said he rides his bike across the bridge, called the 100 metres of trail running beneath willow trees just to its east one of the prettiest stretches on the lakefront.
He said the bridge provides an important connection for a popular walking and biking route along the lake. He also believes there is historical significance to the steel truss bridge, making it worth saving.
“I would like to see that,” he added.
Berkvens said the bridge doesn’t hold any official heritage designation but added city hall staff want to work with the public as the future of the crossing is determined.
“It’s a very attractive looking bridge, it’s very different,” he said. “But, it does need some work and it comes down to both economics and what we want for the future.”