Bridge Concerns Come To An End With New Elbow Creek Structure

Jeff Green | Dec 20, 2023

A nasty surprise for Frontenac County has been put to bed. Last year, an analysis of structures along the County owned K&P trail came to the conclusion that one of the bridges that had been built when the county completed its upgrade to the trail between Verona and Tichborne a few years ago had already failed.

With the company who built the bridge (which was constructed out of fibreglass and wood) no longer in business, Richard Allen, Manager for Economic Development, told council the only choice was to construct a new bridge.

The project costs $440,000, but the burden on Frontenac County was made less onerous because of partner support. The Trans Canada Trail, the Frontenac ATV Club and the L&A Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club all came through with financial support for the construction. 

Frontenac Islands Mayor Judy Greenwood-Speers invited representatives from the RidgeRunners, the ATV Club, and long-time trail supporters Alison and Wayne Robinson to a ribbon cutting ceremony last Friday (December15) on an unseasonably warm and sunny morning. 

“It’s my pleasure to see this new bridge open on behalf of Frontenac County Council,” said Mayor Greenwood-Speers. “The County made this investment because the ongoing development and growth of the Frontenac K&P Trail remains central to our economic development strategy. The trail is for everyone who lives in or visits Frontenac to enjoy. I want to thank all those who contributed time and money to achieving this milestone.”   

The bridge is located near kilometre 57 of the Frontenac K&P Trail, about 2km south of Fish Creek Rd and 2km north of Ball Rd. The crossing and that section of trail closed on October 2 so construction crews could replace the previous structure with new concrete foundations to support a new prefabricated steel span with timber deck.

Design, fabrication, and construction on the project were managed by Keystone Bridge Management Corp, Algonquin Bridge, and Crains’ Construction Ltd. 

“We extend sincere congratulations to Frontenac County for the opening of the Elbow Creek Bridge on the K&P Trail,” said Eleanor McMahon, President and CEO of Trans Canada Trail. “This collaborative achievement reflects our steadfast commitment to preserving historic pathways for everyone to enjoy – today, and for generations to come.”  

The Elbow Creek Bridge is now open to the public, enhancing the accessibility and appeal of the K&P Trail for outdoor enthusiasts.