INDIAN RIVER BASCULE LIFT AND FIXED BRIDGE AND PORT SANDFIELD SWING BRIDGE (2023)

Field Investigation

District of Muskoka – Muskoka, Ontario

The Indian River Bascule Bridge was originally constructed in 1973 and spans over the Indian River on Highway 118 West in Port Carling Ontario. The bridge is a three span structure with two (2) fixed spans (28.7 m and 5.9 m long respectively) and a center single leaf bascule span (23.7 m long). The bridge’s bascule span opens overt the Port Carling Boat Lift Lock. The Port Sandfield Bridge was constructed in 1999 and is a 44 m long swing bridge located in Port Sandfield Ontario. Doug Dixon and Associates Inc. (DDA) was retained by the District of Muskoka (District) to undertake a detailed field investigation of the Indian River Bridge. Mechanical and electrical inspections were also completed as part of the assignment by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) as a sub-consultant to DDA. The inspection findings were used to produce a report recommending various structural, mechanical and electrical repairs to be undertaken as part of an upcoming rehabilitation to extend the service life of the structure by another 30 years. Under the same assignment, the District enlisted DDA and their sub-consultant WJE to complete an emergency inspection of the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge which was having issues engaging its wedge locks. Under DDA’s supervision, an inspection was undertaken and the issue was resolved. A report summarizing recommended maintenance for the structure was provided to the District.