Highlands East trail and outdoors committee will seek engineers to conduct a structural assessment of the IB&O rail trail bridge.
If the committee receives a suitable quote, they can forward the decision for Highlands East council’s approval.
“I think we’re doing the right thing by bringing this forward to council,” said chairperson Coun. Cam McKenzie.
Committee members raised issues with the bridge, located near Farr Road, in the summer of 2020.
McKenzie estimated the wooden foundation is original, and other committee members pointed out makeshift supporting structures under the bridge seem unsafe.
“It seems as though they’re comprised of partial sections,” said member Peter Wood.
“To me, I don’t know how secure that is, If that’s a normal bridge-building practice. I’d think a proper review is worthwhile.”
The IB&O bridge regularly sees snowmobile traffic and increased ATV and side-by-side traffic.
For board member Frank Meurer, the bridge is a concern to riders.
“Having now seen the underside of the bridge, I’m a little more concerned than when I was riding on top of it,” said Frank Meurer.
It’s estimated an engineer’s review of the bridge could cost $2,500. Highlands East council will make the decision whether to hire a third-party inspector.
