Sewells Road Suspension Bridge Over Rouge River (2021-2022)

Structure Inspection & Evaluation

City of Toronto – Toronto, Ontario

Sewells Road Bridge is located north of the Toronto Zoo between Old Finch Avenue and Steeles Avenue East in Scarborough, Ontario. The existing bridge is a three-span single-lane suspension bridge carrying alternating northbound and southbound traffic over the Rouge River. The bridge is a heritage bridge that is over 100 years old. It is currently posted at a 5-tonne weight limit and a 20 km/hr. speed limit. Doug Dixon & Associates Inc. (DDA) was retained by the City of Toronto to perform a detailed inspection and structural evaluation of the Sewells Road Bridge over the Rouge River. On this basis, DDA arranged for the traffic control and advanced notice signage and obtained the appropriate occupancy permits to carry out the inspection. In addition to the initial detailed structural inspection, DDA arranged for the excavation of a test pit along one suspension cable anchorage to verify its integrity. Following the inspection, DDA performed a structural evaluation of the structure based on its existing condition and current load restrictions. As part of this evaluation, a refined three-dimensional structural model was developed using SAP2000 Advanced V.23.3.1. Non-linear static analysis was performed considering geometric non-linear parameters, p-delta plus large displacements. In addition to the inspections and evaluation, DDA provided a detailed report.