Trailway pedestrian bridge installed

The centre span of the highly aniticipated Caledon Trailway pedestrian bridge is maneuvered into place over Highway 10 at roughly 4 a.m. Nov. 28. Lanes of the highway had to be blocked or closed completely for the massive undertaking that involved huge machinery.

In the early morning of Nov. 28, the Town of Caledon installed the centre and side spans of the highly anticipated Caledon Trailway pedestrian bridge over Highway 10.

Managed by the Town's Public Works & Engineering Department, the new bridge is an innovative project that uses fibreglass reinforced polymer, laminated wood beams and steel. Constructed by Saltech Bridges Inc, the three-span structure is 84 metres long, plus an approach ramp on either side. Both approaches will be an aggregate surface protected by vinyl, sheet pile retaining walls. This design minimizes the width of the approaches to provide an environmentally sound solution. At 3.5 metres wide, the bridge is designed to carry pedestrians, animals and maintenance vehicles. Railings will be added to the bridge over the next few weeks, and total site restoration will be completed in spring 2007.

The bridge closes a significant gap in the Caledon Trailway - a multi-use trail that runs 35 kilometres from Terra Cotta to Palgrave, and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The trail crosses Highway 10 just north of Olde Baseline Road, immediately south of the Ken Whillans Resource Management Area.

While the bridge will be open for use as soon as work on it is complete, the Town of Caledon will officially open the bridge in the spring. The bridge is intended to accommodate all non-motorized trail users, including equestrian riders, cyclists and pedestrians (horses and bicycles must be dismounted when crossing the bridge). Users should note that the Trailway and the bridge is not maintained during the winter.

The bridge project is jointly funded by the Town of Caledon, the Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnership (formerly known as Superbuild) and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. For more information about the Caledon Trailway visit www.caledon. ca.