Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE - Council has decided to move forward with the replacement of the Earley Bridge on the Rapley Drain, following a recommendation presented by Drainage Superintendent Andrew Neely at the August 12 council meeting. The bridge, located at Lot 11, Concession 5 SER in the geographic Township of Adelaide, has been deemed in poor condition and requires significant upgrades to meet current standards.
Neely outlined the findings from a staff inspection conducted earlier this year, which revealed that the end walls of the bridge are deteriorating and the overall width is narrower than what is considered safe by today’s standards. The exact age of the bridge is unknown, but based on the state of the culvert, it has likely reached the end of its useful lifespan.
To proceed with the replacement, council needs to appoint an engineer to prepare a detailed report on the project, as mandated by Section 78 of the Drainage Act. Neely estimated the cost of this engineering report to be between $5,000 and $6,000. He further recommended that council appoints Spriet Associates to carry out the engineering work. This recommendation is in line with the township’s procurement policy, which does not require a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for projects under $10,000.
Mayor Sue Clarke called for a motion to approve the recommendation. Councillor Garett Kingma moved the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Betty Ann MacKinnon. The motion was carried unanimously, allowing the township to proceed with the appointment of Spriet Associates to prepare the necessary report for the bridge replacement. The engineering report will provide detailed insights into the scope of the work required and the associated costs, paving the way for the eventual replacement of the Earley Bridge on the Rapley Drain.
