Northumberland County has announced that it will be replacing the expansion joints on the Campbellford Bridge on Bridge Street (County Road 8) this fall.
The work will necessitate nightly bridge closures for about three weeks, the announcement added.
“The Campbellford Bridge is a vital community link servicing residents and other traffic travelling through Campbellford and across the Trent River/Trent-Severn Waterway,” the announcement said.
Replacing the bridge's expansion joints is being undertaken to prevent damage to the bridge, reduce traffic noise and ensure a smooth transitions for the vehicles that cross the bridge.
“While the Campbellford Bridge remains safe to use, it’s important to replace the expansion joints now, to reduce traffic noise and prevent further damage,” Director of Public Works Denise Marshall said.
This project is expected to begin mid-September or early October, and run for approximately three weeks. During this time, the Campbellford Bridge will be closed nightly to traffic from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Traffic closures are not ideal, Marshall said, but completing the work at night will help limit the over-all impact.
“We reviewed a number of options, and selected nightly closures as the option with the least inconvenience to residents.”
During the nightly bridge closures, traffic will be redirected northward through Healy Falls, Crowe River Bridge and Petherick’s Corners, using a combination of Northumberland County roads and Trent Hills roads.
While the bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic at night, one sidewalk will remain open to pedestrians. And construction crews will have provisions in place to temporarily reopen one lane for use by emergency services vehicles as necessary.
Expansion joints at either end of the bridge provide a gap allowing the bridge to expand and contract with temperature changes. Rubber seals in the joints prevent water infiltration, and steel in the joint assemblies helps protect the concrete bridge deck ends from damage caused by vehicles.
Over time, the impacts of traffic and weather cause expansion joint assemblies to deteriorate. Depending on conditions, they typically require replacement every 15 to 30 years.
With new joints installed, nearby residents will notice a reduction in noise. And motorists will benefit from a smooth transition with minimal vehicle vibration, protecting the bridge from future damage.
