Innovative North Bay bridge racking up accolades
A newly redeveloped bridge that closes the gap between North Bay and Nipissing First Nation is racking up accolades.
The Duchesnay Creek Bridge underwent significant redevelopment and those involved in the project were awarded a Northern Ontario Excellence Award for its use of timber.
It’s the third award the bridge has earned.
The Northern Ontario Excellence Award is awarded by the Wood-Works Program of the Canadian Wood Council.
It recognizes wood design and celebrates projects using wood in all types of construction.
"The bridge was selected because the use of timber in bridges is very uncommon,” said Sarah Hicks, of Wood-Works! Ontario
“Of all the bridges in Ontario, fewer than two per cent of them actually use wood. This is a real example of what can be done."
The award was presented to the Ministry of Transportation and Nipissing First Nation by Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota.
"It's a great advancement in the use of sustainable materials in the highway construction industry,” said Matthew Curry of the MTO.
“It’s something I'm hoping to see more of in the future."
"By having projects like this that come to the forefront, people realize how versatile wood is and we're a major manufacturer of it here in Ontario where we produce it," Rota said.
The original timber truss bridge was built in the 1930s and has been designated as a heritage structure. Spanning 74 metres, it had a timber main span, which was the only one of its kind in Ontario.
Initial plans recommended a concrete deck and steel girder assembly. But the decision to pursue a wood option was made to pay homage to the original structure.
The MTO, Miller Northern Paving and Nipissing First Nation all collaborated to get the project built. It was a struggle for the First Nation community to get involved, but it fought hard to be a business partner.
"We've opened up opportunities for us to show just what we can do as business partners and how we can contribute to the local and regional economy,” said Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation Chief.
The bridge redevelopment started in late 2019 and was completed last year. It cost roughly $5 million.
"It's one of the greatest projects I've built and I've been doing this for 35 years," said Chris O'Reilly of Miller Northern Paving.
It's the third award the project has received.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.