Chatham-Kent council has approved the award of a nearly $2 million contract for rehabilitation work on the Dufferin Avenue bridge over Running Creek.
Council approved awarding the construction contract, valued at $1,949,148.83 excluding HST, to KB Civil Constructors Inc. of North York, which submitted the lowest compliant bid among three tenders received.
The municipality also approved a $74,200 contract amendment with GEI Consultants Canada Ltd. for contract administration and inspection services related to the project.
Built in 1972, the 24-metre span bridge is located on Dufferin Avenue approximately 700 metres west of Highway 40. The structure was identified for rehabilitation through inspections conducted under the Ontario Structure Inspection Manual.
According to a report presented to council, a detailed inspection confirmed that the bridge deck and walls require replacement, while the concrete girders and abutment walls remain in good condition. The rehabilitation project will include replacing the concrete bridge deck, repairing the girders and abutments, installing new steel tube barriers and upgrading guiderails to current design standards. Work will also include utility coordination, water management through the site and restoration of surrounding pavement and right-of-way areas.
The bridge will be closed during construction, with a detour route posted. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, with completion anticipated by December 2026.
The total recommended project cost, including consulting services and net HST, is estimated at $2,058,959.77. To cover the additional costs, council approved transferring $183,959.77 from the Lifeamp Bridge Lifecycle Reserve to the Dufferin Avenue Bridge over Running Creek project account.
Municipal staff said the original project budget was established before the full extent of the deck replacement requirements had been finalized. The more comprehensive rehabilitation approach, including the temporary lifting of girders to facilitate repairs, increased the complexity and cost of the project
