Bridge and culvert report highlights infrastructure challenges for Brock Township

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Council received a detailed update on the state of local bridges and culverts, at its meeting, on Monday, September 22nd. Interim Director of Public Works, Ben Kester, presented a report highlighting current deficiencies and future priorities.

The Township is required, by provincial regulation, to conduct inspections every two years on all structures with a span greater than three metres. The most recent assessment, conducted in 2023 and carried out by Chisholm, Fleming and Associates in 2025, examined 51 bridge and culvert structures across Brock. The findings revealed a mix of minor and major repairs needed, with several aging structures requiring replacement.

“Many of our bridges are more than 80 years old,” explained Mr. Kester. “While some require only routine maintenance, others, such as Bridge 39, on Concession Road 11, and the MacLeod Park Pedestrian Bridge, are in very poor condition and should be considered high priorities.”

Bridge 39 currently has a weight restriction, due to structural deficiencies. Council was reminded, the bylaw setting this restriction must be renewed, as it is only valid for five years at a time.

The engineer’s report assigned each structure a Bridge Condition Index (BCI) and Bridge Structural Index (BSI) score, with lower numbers reflecting worsening conditions. The MacLeod Park Pedestrian Bridge, for example, received a BCI and BSI of just 18.2, leading to a recommendation for full replacement.

Councillor Cria Pettingill said, the report underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure renewal.“These bridges and culverts are essential links in our community,” she said. “We need to ensure they are safe and reliable for residents, emergency services, and local businesses.”

The report noted, in addition to full replacements, many structures require concrete repairs, new guide rails, or hazard markers. Seven additional pages of minor work were also included, mainly involving concrete, asphalt, and signage repairs.

Mayor Mike Jubb emphasized the long-term importance of these decisions. “This is not just about fixing what’s broken today,” Mayor Jubb noted. “It’s about planning responsibly, so our infrastructure can serve future generations of Brock residents.”

The proposed work will be considered during the Township’s 2026 budget deliberations, when Council will weigh the costs of repair and replacement against other municipal priorities.

Council formally received the report for information and referred the identified projects to budget discussions.