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Simmons Bridge Rehabilitation
About the Project
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The County of Wellington is rehabilitating the Simmons Bridge, at the northwest edge of Drayton in the Township of Mapleton. This rehabilitation is an important investment in the long-term safety and reliability of the bridge infrastructure serving the community.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
The Flax Bridge and Simmons Bridge rehabilitation project on Wellington Road 11 in Drayton has experienced unforeseen construction challenges.
As a result, the anticipated completion date has been revised to November 16, 2026.
Traffic Impacts:
A full road closure of Wellington Street North (Wellington Road 11) is in place at the bridge during construction.
Northbound traffic is being detoured via Wellington Road 7 and Wellington Road 12, as indicated by posted signage and the detour map below.
Progress Updates from the Site:
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Rehabilitation work continues across the bridge deck as crews prepare for the next phase of construction.
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Deteriorated concrete is being removed to expose and repair areas affected by corrosion before new concrete is placed.
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Repairs to the bridge deck and steel structure are helping preserve the bridge for decades to come..
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Construction crews continue rehabilitation work on Simmons Bridge, including steel repairs and concrete restoration.
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Old rivets are being replaced with new high-strength bolts to improve the bridge's structural performance and durability.
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Crews are removing original rivets and installing new high-strength bolts to strengthen the bridge's steel connections and improve long-term performance.
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A temporary work platform provides safe access for crews to complete steel repairs, concrete restoration, and other rehabilitation work beneath the bridge.
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The temporary platform allows crews to work efficiently underneath the old bridge while helping keep construction materials out of the river.
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A new work platform beneath the bridge gives crews safe access to complete repairs and strengthen key structural components.
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Progress continues on the Simmons Bridge rehabilitation project as crews work above and below the bridge to keep it strong and reliable for years to come..
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Expansion joint replacement is underway on the bridge deck. These joints help the bridge adjust to temperature changes and traffic movement, reducing wear and tear over time.
Enjoy Drayton
While travel routes have changed, downtown Drayton businesses remain open and accessible.
Visitors are encouraged to continue shopping, dining, and supporting local businesses during construction.
Free parking is available at 11 Main St. W., with additional street parking throughout downtown.
Worth the Detour Marketing Toolkit
In partnership with the Township of Mapleton, Wellington County has developed a Marketing Toolkit to support Downtown Drayton businesses and organizations during construction.
The toolkit includes:
- Email templates
- Printable window signage
- Ready-to-use social media posts
- Collaborative marketing ideas
- Website update suggestions
- Marketing learning resources