On August 10th, 2022, the entire village of Paisley (ON) gathered to say goodbye to the bridge that most had known for their entire lives.
The bridge spanned the junction where the mighty Saugeen and Teeswater Rivers meet and is a vital link in transportation through Bruce County. After more than 85 years however, it was deemed ready for replacement.
For more than a year, the bridge replacement has been under construction with a temporary bridge in place for traffic and a detour established for large transport delivery trucks.
On a blustery day Friday, November 3rd (2023), the village and many visitors again gathered for the official opening of the new bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a dedication by Saugeen First Nation’s Elder Shirley John and followed by a trek across the new bridge for everyone.
Representing Mayor Steve Hammell and Arran-Elderslie Council, Deputy Mayor, Jennifer Shaw, welcomed everyone to the event and encouraged all to “shop local and support your community.”
Seniors, Wilma Lamont and Vern Cormack, were at the opening of the original bridge and, some 88 years latter, attended the new bridge opening and were among those who walked across the new span.
Although officially open, the bridge will experience temporary daytime closures from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from November 6th to November 10th to facilitate final restoration work. The temporary bridge and detour will remain available for use however during the daily road closures. There may also be temporary lane closures from November 13th to November 17th to complete minor works but the bridge will be open to vehicular and pedestrian use. The new sidewalk on the bridge will also be closed to pedestrian use from November 3rd to November 17th.
The temporary bridge, which has successfully served as an in-town detour for motorists and pedestrians, will be removed later in November once the remaining work is completed.