County gives pre-budget go-ahead for Big Creek bridge repairs

Essex County Civic Centre.

An historic Amherstburg landmark is getting a much-needed facelift.

At the regular Essex County Council meeting last Wednesday night, local municipal politicians agreed to a pre-budget approval that will see work begin on the Big Creek Bridge.

Originally built in 1932, the bridge will see nearly three million invested to rehabilitate the bridge on County Road 18 which is a connecting link between Amherstburg and Malden Centre.

“Our best chance for success is to tender the project in November prior to budget deliberation,” said manager of design and construction Karyn Templin.

While the 2026 budget will not begin deliberations until Dec. 3, Templin brought forth both the Big Creek Bridge and Lonsberry Drain Culvert rehabilitation ahead of budget to get early approval.

In her report to council, she noted that early approval of the two projects are required to avoid scheduling delays, minimize community impacts and ensure compliance with environmental and seasonal restrictions.

Presented in the Essex County State of Good Repair Program for 2026 is a total of $21,157,850 which represents about a two percent increase as compared to the previous year.

“The efforts identified are comprised of both major and minor rehabilitation work as well as full replacement projects,” explained Templin.

Templin went on to point out that over the past five years, cost for rehabilitation on roads, bridges and culverts has increased due to unprecedented increases for labour, materials and equipment.

Templin also said that there is a funding gap in the county’s asset management plan when it comes to required work that needs to be done.

“Without an additional amount of investment, the county’s ability to maintain service levels and improve network conditions will continue to erode under the combined pressures of inflation, grant support and increasing asset demands.”

Also at last week’s county council meeting, county manager of transportation planning and development Jerry Behl brought forth a report that will be  part of this year’s budget for road safety management.

With input from a consultant, this includes identifying safety opportunities and developing possible safety solutions.

As part of his report, Behl noted that design of traffic signals at County Road 9 and Alma Road is still being considered.

County gives pre-budget go-ahead for Big Creek bridge repairs

By Fred Groves