Lanark County Council Awards Tender for Five Span Bridge Rehabilitation in Pakenham

From Lanark County

Lanark County Council has awarded a tender to KB Civil Constructors Inc. for $965,861 to complete substructure rehabilitation work on the Five Span Bridge in Pakenham, which was below the estimated cost.

Director of Public Works Sean Derouin said the tender closed on June 2, which will allow for construction to start on schedule for the July 15 in-water works timing window. Four bids were received.

“Proactive investment in the bridge will reduce life-cycle costs and future demand for construction and impacts to the surrounding area,” he said.

Derouin said daily road closures are expected to take place from Monday to Thursday during daylight hours and on Fridays until noon. The road will remain open overnight and on weekends and holidays. Closures are expected to be in effect from July 15 to October 30. Live closure updates will be provided to motorists using digital display boards and a signed detour will be in place.

The renowned historic bridge was built in 1901. Derouin indicated a major rehabilitation was undertaken in 1984 that helped to protect the arches and redistribute loading to prevent failure from traffic loads. More rehabilitation took place in 2012.

The county has received approval from the Mississippi Mills Heritage Advisory Committee and the Ontario Heritage Trust, as well as completing several studies and additional consultations. The rehabilitation in 2025 will be isolated to the underside and in-water works, including replacement of the concrete jackets surrounding the bridge piers and repointing deteriorated masonry joints.

Planned work in 2026, includes replacement of deteriorated parapet wall stone and deck drains, construction of new curbs and gutters, replacement of expansion joints and repaving the bridge deck. Improvements to the approach to the bridge are also planned to improve drainage and sightlines, new decorative light posts, new asphalt driving surface on the approaches and bridge deck and colour-changing LED lighting under the bridge. Costs for 2026 will be included in next year’s proposed budget.