Dresden Bridge (2021-2022)

Detailed Condition Assessment & Evaluation

Municipality of Chatham-Kent – Dresden, Ontario

The Dresden Bridge is a three-span reinforced concrete rigid frame bridge constructed in 1933. The structure carries the main street of Dresden (St. George Street/former Highway 21) over the Sydenham River. Doug Dixon & Associates Inc. undertook the Detailed Condition Survey and underwater inspection of the bridge. As part of the inspection assignment, DDA personnel utilized an Under-bridge Access Platform to access the bridge soffit and substructure components. In addition to the Detailed Condition Survey, DDA Bridge Engineers completed an evaluation of the rigid frame structure to determine the need for load posting. Following the condition survey and evaluation, DDA Bridge Engineers reviewed multiple rehabilitation/replacement strategies and provided recommendations for immediate repair work and future rehabilitation work. A replacement concept was also provided should the client consider future replacement of the bridge. A life-cycle cost analysis was completed for the rehabilitation and replacement option. A detailed report was prepared for the client discussing the significant findings of the inspection, results from the structural evaluation, recommendations for rehabilitation/replacement work with estimated costs, life-cycle cost analysis, and additional engineering studies.