With Remembrance Day approaching, Norfolk County says construction at the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Simcoe remains on schedule to be completed before the November 11 ceremonies.
The bridge, located on Norfolk Street North near Wilson Avenue and the Carillon Tower, has been undergoing a major rehabilitation project since the spring.
With the Carillon Tower serving as an important location for Remembrance Day observances, there had been concerns about whether the construction would be finished in time for the annual ceremonies.
We reached out to Norfolk County for an update, and officials confirmed the project is currently scheduled for full completion on November 9, two days before Remembrance Day.
According to the County, paving work has now been completed and the roadway has reopened, although reduced lanes remain in place while crews finish the remaining work.
Line painting was scheduled for October 21, with bridge lighting installation expected to be completed by the end of the week.
However, the County notes that the final electrical connection through Hydro One could take several additional weeks following the required inspection.
Landscaping work is also approaching completion, with topsoil and sod placement planned for the end of this week or early next week.
The final bridge railing installation is scheduled for the week of November 2.
Major rehabilitation project began in April
Work on the Veterans Memorial Bridge began in April as part of a significant infrastructure improvement project.
The bridge spans the Lynn River along Norfolk Street North, and the rehabilitation has involved replacing the bridge deck, barriers and railings, along with concrete repairs, sidewalk replacement, road restoration and new streetlighting.
Construction was divided into two stages, with crews working on the west and east halves of the bridge to maintain traffic access throughout the project.
The original construction timeline anticipated completion by mid-October, although the updated schedule now places the finishing date in early November.
Norfolk County Council awarded the construction contract to Urbanlink Civil Ltd. for approximately $2.53 million.
Protecting the Carillon Tower
Because of the bridge’s proximity to the historic Carillon Tower, special measures were included in the construction plans to protect the heritage structure.
Those measures included protective fencing and restrictions on construction operations near the tower.
The project has also resulted in traffic restrictions, pedestrian detours and changes to access around the Norfolk Street North and Wilson Avenue intersection.
While some finishing work remains, the County says the project continues to move toward its November 9 completion date.
That would allow the construction to wrap up ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11, when residents gather to honour Canada’s veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
