Upper Credit Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project

Improving Access and Safety

We’re replacing the pedestrian bridge at Upper Credit Conservation Area to improve visitor access and safety. We’re also undertaking channel restoration below the bridge to match the restored section of the Credit River directly upstream and downstream of the bridge.

UPDATE: Construction has been extended from August 22 to November 4, 2022. Public access to the conservation area will be closed during the construction period.

Project Overview

We’re replacing the existing pedestrian bridge with a new three-metre wide bridge using a weathering steel truss design with timber decking. It will also feature a stainless-steel handrail for accessibility. The project involves the following work:

The removal of the existing bridge and its abutments (bridge supports)
Restoration of the channel
Construction of new bridge abutments
Installation of a new 15.4-metre span steel bridge

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 18, 2022, and we expect construction on the project to be complete no later than 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 (Alton location) will be closed to the public during the construction period. This closure is necessary to reduce health and safety risks to the public as there are no possible alternative ways to access the property.

The Government of Canada and Province of Ontario is funding 73 per cent of eligible costs for this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The total construction cost is $275,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this work being completed?

The existing pedestrian bridge on Upper Credit Conservation Area (UCCA), Alton location, is an old farm bridge that has reached the end of its usable lifespan. It requires replacement to meet CVC’s technical guidelines for water crossings and to support safe operational and visitor access. The replacement of this pedestrian bridge was identified as a capital project priority in the Upper Credit Management Plan (2016).

Why is the property being closed?

A full closure of the conservation area is necessary to mitigate health and safety risks to the public as there are no possible alternative ways to access the property.

During the construction period, you can visit the following nearby conservation areas and natural spaces:

Upper Credit Conservation Area Tranmer Tract (accessible via Townline Rd. in Orangeville)
Alton Grange Property
Ken Whillans Conservation Area in Caledon
Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville
The Caledon Trailway

For all CVC park locations and information, please visit cvcparks.ca

Why is the channel being restored?

The existing farm bridge and old bridge abutments are being removed, and a new channel profile will be restored in its place. The new bridge span and height will be increased to conform with CVC’s Technical Guidelines for Watercourse Crossings requirements. The new channel profile under the bridge will match the restored sections of the Credit River directly upstream and downstream of the bridge.

Is any other work planned for Upper Credit Conservation Area?

A new boardwalk trail is planned at the Upper Credit Conservation Area Tranmer Tract (Townline Rd. Orangeville). Design work for this boardwalk is currently underway and construction is planned for 2023.