GMBP was retained by the City of Owen Sound to undertake a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) planning process to resolve issues with the aging 10th Street Bridge over the Sydenham River in downtown Owen Sound.  The bridge, which was built in 1911, is part of the main east-west arterial route through Owen Sound, receiving the highest traffic volume of any bridge in the City.  Not only an integral part of the local road network, the bridge also functions as a Connecting Link across the Sydenham River for Provincial Highways 6, 10, 21 and 26.  It also connects Grey County Roads 1, 5, 15 and 17B.

The Schedule C EA process included the first step of reviewing alternative solutions (do nothing, repair, replace, or relocate), plus the additional step of reviewing design alternatives for the preferred replacement alternative (bridge style, number of lanes, railing types, active transportation considerations).  The EA process included preparation of background studies including an EIS, an archaeological assessment, a cultural heritage review, hydrology and hydraulic assessment and traffic impact studies.

The design includes significant retaining wall sections, a 5m wide active transportation sidewalk to connect the harbour trail systems and improved geometry for traffic flow.  The project also included significant watermain replacement over two years to maintain service across the river following bridge removal during the construction phase.

GMBP provided design, contract administration and construction review services.  It was substantially performed in 2020 with a construction cost of $7.5M.