Improving Access and Safety Connecting the Credit Valley Trail
We’re constructing a new pedestrian bridge at the Upper Credit Conservation Area (Tranmer Property) to connect the Credit Valley Trail from Island Lake in Orangeville/Mono to Caledon. We’re also creating new trail connections at the Tranmer Property.
The new 40-metre span bridge will cross the Credit River and is located north of the County Road 109 bridge. When completed, it will provide expansive views of the provincially significant wetlands at the Tranmer Property and provide opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing.
Project Overview
We’re constructing a new pedestrian bridge over the Credit River using a galvanized steel truss design with timber decking. It will feature a protective mesh to protect trail users and a stainless-steel handrail for accessibility. The project involves the following work:
• The construction of new concrete abutments (bridge supports)
• Installation of a new 40-metre span galvanized steel bridge
• Creation of a new trail connection to the west
• Restoration of disturbed areas and in-fill planting with native trees and shrubs
Project Timeline
Work is scheduled starting July to November 2025. Final restoration work and trail work will occur in late Spring 2026.
Upper Credit Conservation Area (Tranmer Property) will remain open during the construction period. The property can be accessed through Dragonfly Park in Orangeville, on Townline Road.
Project Funding
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 of the new bridge is $745,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this work being completed?
The new pedestrian bridge at Upper Credit Conservation Area (Tranmer Property) will create new trail connections between Orangeville and Caledon, and offer new trail experiences in the Credit River valley.
The new bridge will connect the Credit Valley Trail and advance the Credit Valley Trail Strategy (2017). A new pedestrian bridge connecting the east and west parts of Tranmer Property was identified as a capital project priority in the Upper Credit Management Plan (2016).
The bridge design and length are required to meet CVC’s technical guidelines for water crossings.
What safety measures will be installed on the bridge?
The new pedestrian bridge will feature a wire mesh on the south facing side and top to protect trail users from debris from County Road 109. The bridge will provide a 2.2-metre clear width, allowing for safe two-way crossing.
Additional guard rails and fencing will be installed to protect the sensitive wetlands and ecosystems at the Tranmer Property.
Will there be any traffic impacts during construction?
County Road 109 will remain open throughout the construction period. A lane shift and reduced speed near the County Road 109 Credit River crossing (Lockyer Bridge) will be required during the construction period.
What other Conservation Areas can I visit while the bridge is under construction?
During the construction period, you can visit the following nearby conservation areas and natural spaces:
• Upper Credit Conservation Area Alton Property
• Alton Grange Property
• Ken Whillans Conservation Area in Caledon
• Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville
• The Caledon Trailway
Visit CVC Parks for park locations and more information.
When will the Caledon Rail to Trail Project be complete?
The Town of Caledon is planning to convert a 35 km stretch of the former Orangeville Brampton railway (OBRY) corridor into a multi-use trail. This new trail will also complete sections of the Credit Valley Trail through Caledon.
The new pedestrian bridge will allow for future connections between Upper Credit Conservation Area and the Caledon Rail to Trail Project.
More information about the Caledon Rail to Trail Project is at the Town of Caledon.
Is any other work planned for Upper Credit Conservation Area?
New trail improvements are planned at the Tranmer Property in 2026. Design work is currently underway for these improvements.
Upper Credit Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project
In 2022, we had replaced the pedestrian bridge at Upper Credit Conservation Area to improve visitor access and safety. We also undertook channel restoration below the bridge to match the restored section of the Credit River directly upstream and downstream of the bridge.
Gallery
Upcoming Events
Upper Credit News
