July 5, 2022 – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) confirms that Upper Credit Conservation Area in Alton will close from July 18 to September 15, 2022, for a pedestrian bridge replacement and channel restoration project. The conservation area will remain closed to the public during the entirety of the construction period.
“The work taking place at Upper Credit Conservation Area is necessary to ensure visitor safety at the park,” said Terri LeRoux, Director of Parks, Lands and Community Engagement at CVC. “The bridge is an old farming bridge and has reached the end of its usable lifespan.”
This capital project was identified as a priority in the Upper Credit Management Plan. The Upper Credit bridge replacement involves the removal of the existing bridge and its supports, restoration of the channel, construction of new bridge support structure, and installation of a new 15.4-metre steel bridge. The new bridge will be a three-metre wide weathering steel truss design with timber decking. It will also feature a stainless-steel handrail for accessibility.
The bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 18 and CVC expects construction to be complete by Thursday, September 15, 2022. This timeline will meet the Ministry of Natural Resources’ in-water fisheries timing window which protects fish, including their eggs, juveniles, spawning adults and their food sources.
“Upper Credit Conservation Area in Alton will remain closed to the public during the construction period,” said LeRoux. “The closure is necessary to reduce health and safety risks to visitors because there are no alternative ways to access the property.”
The Government of Canada and Province of Ontario are funding 73 per cent of the eligible costs for this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The total construction cost is $275,000.
During the construction period, the public is encouraged to visit other nearby conservation areas and natural spaces including, Upper Credit Conservation Area in Orangeville (accessibility via Townline Road), Ken Whillans Conservation Area in Caledon, Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville and the Caledon Trailway.
For all CVC park locations and information, please visit cvcparks.ca.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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Sophia Maio
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Credit Valley Conservation
437-240-4801
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