One day, two bridge openings

FERGUS – Two bridges in rural Centre Wellington that have been closed for several years celebrated their grand opening on May 22.

Township staff, council and staff from associated builders cut the ribbon on bridge 16WG, on 1st Line north of Wellington Road 19, and on bridge 24WG, on 5th Line north of Wellington Road 19.

Bridge 24WG was constructed in 1923 and was closed in 2018 because of its deteriorating state.

Bridge 16WG was over 100 years old and was closed in 2021.

Mayor Shawn Watters lauded staff, builders and engineers for their part in building the new bridges, calling them essential to agriculture operations and as “connectors to community.”

“I appreciate the patience of the rural community and the entire community,” he said. “It’s a big task, repairing bridges, and we are continually checking them off the list.”

Watters noted staff is conducting environmental assessments on groups of bridges now rather than separately to save time and costs.

“It’s a smart way of looking at bridges,” he said.

“I thank Centre Wellington for supporting the bridge program.”