Closure of McNaughten Bridge
Upon seeing the effects that ice and the spring melt had on the foundations of this small bridge, the Town mandated Shellex Consulting Group to inspect the bridge. Their findings were:
- Although the superstructure is in relatively good condition, the foundations of the footbridge were destabilized by the effects of ice and high water levels last winter.
- The foundations, as well as the footbridge itself, are artisanal in nature and are directly supported on the ground and on rocks
- There is a significant risk of further torsion and collapse of the bridge with bank erosion
- the bearing capacity of the abutment is insufficient, thus destabilizing the entire structure.
What does this mean?
In the short term, the bridge is condemned, and it will have to be removed and replaced. As the bridge’s foundation is on the banks of a waterway, the Town of Hudson cannot proceed with the replacement of the foundations until it receives the necessary approval from the Ministry of the Environment. This approval process will take a minimum of one year.
