Veterans Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation - EIS-ENG-26-50

Project Description

The Veterans Memorial Bridge, located on Norfolk Street North at Wilson Avenue in the town of Simcoe, which spans the Lynn River requires a major rehabilitation to the bridge structure. The work will be completed using a 2-stage construction approach.

• Stage 1 construction – west half of bridge
• Stage 2 construction – east half of bridge

The work will include bridge deck replacement, bridge barrier and railing replacement, concrete repairs, sidewalk replacement, road and asphalt restoration, streetlighting installation and associated traffic control.

For reference, the project location map for the proposed work is located at the bottom of this notice.

Project Timeline

Proposed Start Date

April 2026

Estimated Completion Date

Mid-October 2026

Information for the Public

Traffic Management

In order to expedite the work in a safe environment, vehicular traffic control measures will be in effect. During the construction, two-way traffic will be maintained. However, lane widths will be reduced and restricted to one lane in each direction through the site. Signage and lane delineation markers will be in place.

Closure of Alligator Lane

Alligator Lane, between Kent Street North and Norfolk Street North, will be closed to through traffic with the east end at Norfolk Street North being fenced off to be used as a contractor’s laydown area.

Restricted Turning Movements at Wilson Avenue

During the construction of both Stage 1 and 2, the left turn from Wilson Avenue onto Norfolk Street North will be restricted because of the proximity of the intersection to the construction site, resulting in limited sight lines.  Only right turns from Wilson Avenue onto Norfolk Street North will be allowed.  The turning lane will be barreled off and signage installed.

Sidewalk and Crosswalk Closures/Detours

During the construction, there will be a requirement to close the sidewalk across the bridge, which is within the active construction stage work zone.  The opposite sidewalk will remain in service.  The current pedestrian crossing of Norfolk Street at Wilson Avenue will also be closed during both stages of construction.  The overhead pedestrian signals at this crossing will be covered for the duration of the project.  Pedestrians will be required to follow the sidewalk closure pedestrian detour and use the pedestrian crossing at Windham Street and/or Union Street for safe passage through the area.  Signage will be in place to direct pedestrians to the appropriate crossing.

Carillon Tower

The bridge location is in close proximity to the Carillon Tower, located on the corner of Norfolk Street and Wilson Avenue.  As the Carillon Tower is a heritage structure, mitigation measures will be in place for the duration of the project.  This will include exclusion fencing and construction operation restrictions to ensure the protection of the tower structure.

Construction Tender

The construction tender for this project will be sent out to prequalified bridge construction contractors in January/February 2026.  Award of the project will be subject to Council approval.  Once the project is awarded to the successful contractor, this notice will be updated with the contractor’s contact information as well as any additional or updated information.

We intend to minimize the impact of this vital infrastructure work on the public and vehicular traffic. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the work being completed, please reach out to Norfolk County’s Project Manager, noted below.

Project Contact Information 

Contractor
To be determined

Consultant 
G. Douglas Vallee Limited
Ryan Elliott, P.Eng
(519) 426-6270  
ryanelliott@gdvallee.ca

Norfolk County 
Project Manager, 
Jeff Demeulemeester, CET 
(519) 426-5870 extension 8087
jeff.demeulemeester@norfolkcounty.ca 

After-hours emergency 1-877-298-5888

Project Construction Budget

$2,350,000

Location Map