Next steps underway for Beaver River Bridge replacement in Beaverton

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: Progress continues on the long-anticipated replacement of the Beaver River Bridge in Beaverton, as the Region of Durham advances regulatory steps required under federal legislation and prepares for construction to begin next year.

The Region has submitted detailed information about the project to the Navigable Waters Registry, as required under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. The submission, now open for public comment, outlines the project site, design plans, and construction approach for replacing the current temporary Beaver River Bridge with a new permanent structure.

Recently filed with the Minister of Transport, the proposal describes work at the bridge crossing over the Beaver River on Regional Road 15 in the Township of Brock. The existing temporary bridge will ultimately be removed once the permanent structure is completed.

Residents and stakeholders may submit written comments related to the project’s potential effects on marine navigation through the Common Project Search website or by mail to Transport Canada. Comments must be received within 30 days of the final notice publication to be considered. While all submissions will be reviewed, no individual responses will be provided.

According to the Region, construction of the permanent bridge is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026 and will be completed over two construction seasons, with final completion expected in Summer 2027. In the meantime, traffic continues to use the temporary bridge, which opened in November 2024.

The temporary bridge has been designed to accommodate full traffic loads without posted weight restrictions and operates under standard Highway Traffic Act regulations. Oversized and overweight commercial vehicles remain subject to Regional permitting requirements.

The construction will be completed in stages to minimize disruption. Traffic will remain on the temporary bridge while the north portion of the permanent bridge is built. Once complete, vehicles will be shifted onto the new structure, allowing crews to remove the temporary bridge and construct the south half of the permanent span. Any road closures are expected to be limited to short durations.

A localized 40 km/h speed limit remains in effect through the construction zone and east of Highway 12 due to lane shifts and safety considerations. The speed limit will return to 60 km/h once the project is completed. Brock Township Mayor Mike Jubb emphasized the importance of the project for the community.

“This project is critical and is being completely funded by the Province of Ontario,” Mayor Jubb told The Standard. “Construction is planned for Spring 2026 and will be completed over two construction seasons, with traffic maintained throughout the process to minimize disruption for residents and businesses.”

Funding for the bridge replacement is being provided entirely by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.

Local residents say the project can’t come soon enough.

“The temporary bridge has worked well, but everyone’s been waiting for a permanent solution,” said Beaverton resident Sarah Collins, who travels Regional Road 15 regularly. “It’s reassuring to know the long-term fix is finally moving ahead.”

Nearby resident Mark Davidson said maintaining traffic flow during construction is a key concern.

“Keeping traffic moving is huge for this area,” Mr. Davidson explained. “With farming, commuting, and emergency access, this bridge is essential. The fact they’re limiting closures really matters.”

Questions about the project can be directed to Jennifer Goddard, P.Eng., Project Manager with Durham Region’s Works Department. Additional project information is available at durham.ca/BeaverRiverBridge.