Everton Bridge work being planned for next year
By Chris Simon

Gilford's Everton Bridge could finally be getting its fix.

A town committee has endorsed a plan for the replacement of the bridge. If approved by town council, preliminary work would begin on the bridge in February, with road construction starting in May. Work on the bridge is expected to be complete by March 2009, said town engineering technologist Gavin Watson.

Council had expressed concerns over the initial length of time the bridge is expected to close or require vehicle weight restrictions. Staff have since reduced the timeframe by about a month and a half, something that could slightly increase the overall project cost, said Watson.

"Staff will endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible upon completion of the bridge works, providing that opening the road does not place workers in danger and that the road is safe for the public, both in vehicles and walking," said Watson. "The revised plan ... would mean the contractor will require a greater number of trips to the site to deliver the required material. This may have a nominal increase in the price of the project, but this may be more acceptable for a shortened road closure period."

The bridge has caused concern among local residents and town staff over the last few years. Currently, the bridge has been reduced to one lane of traffic. However, the bridge is a main access point for emergency vehicles, and one of the only ways out of the area for residents, said councillor Bill Van Berkel.

"It shortens the time considerably from the original report," he said. "Hopefully, they'll be able to find a way where they don't have to close it for any more than a couple weeks at a time. People don't understand why it has to take so long, it's hard to explain."

Watson said staff had investigated building a temporary bridge crossing at other points within the area. However, areas upstream include peat soil, homes and other buildings. Amarina occupies the area downstream from Everton Bridge.

"Staff investigated alternate locations from the existing bridge for a temporary crossing," he said.

"However there is no readily apparent option available to place a temporary bridge or road in another location."

As part of the plan, council would also approve the closure of Everton Drive during construction.