Meeks Bridge Reopens

November 4,  2021

For Immediate Release

Meeks Bridge in Southwold Reopens to the Public

COUNTY OF ELGIN — The County of Elgin and the Township of Southwold are pleased to announce that Meeks Bridge in the Township of Southwold has reopened to the pubic. The bridge has been closed for replacement since April 2021.

Meeks Bridge spans Kettle Creek on Sparta Line and was a single span, steel double-intersection Warren truss (Double Warren) bridge structure. The original bridge was constructed in 1900. The bridge was replaced with the former Port Bruce temporary panel bridge which was removed earlier this year after the replacement Imperial Road Bridge in Port Bruce opened to the public in December of 2020.

 “I am pleased that we were able to repurpose the temporary bridge originally installed in Port Bruce, for the completion of this project,” said Warden Tom Marks. “This is one the many ways that the County of Elgin is finding innovative ways to make the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”

“I am very happy to see the Meeks Bridge open again,” said Southwold Township Mayor Grant Jones. “This piece of infrastructure is critical to the transportation needs of our residents and they will now be able to safely utilize it for many years to come.”

Work completed included the demolition of the pre-existing bridge structure, installation of new cast-in-place concrete abutments, removal, relocation and expansion of the former Port Bruce Bridge temporary panel bridge to accommodate a new two-lane structure, reconstruction of bridge road approaches, and asphalt resurfacing of Sparta Line between Union Road and Roberts Line.

For additional information, please contact:

Tom Marks, Elgin County Warden

tmarks@elgin.ca

Grant Jones, Mayor of Township of Southwold
mayorgjones@southwold.ca

Photo credit: Elgin County