Forks Road Bridge
The Forks Road Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, November 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. A full closure was necessary because of the deterioration of the structure and not being able to monitor which vehicles access the bridge.
Welland City Council and city staff understand the significance of this closure and the impact it has on the community. For a better understanding on how the Forks Road Bridge project has evolved, please review the Timeline, located to the right.
October 26, 2020 - City of Welland enters a Memorandum of Understanding with Empire Communities to design/construct the replacement of the Forks Road Bridge, and further design and build the urbanization of Forks Rd., from the Kingsway to the east limit of Forks Rd.
The Forks Road Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on Friday, November 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. A full closure was necessary because of the deterioration of the structure and not being able to monitor which vehicles access the bridge.
Welland City Council and city staff understand the significance of this closure and the impact it has on the community. For a better understanding on how the Forks Road Bridge project has evolved, please review the Timeline, located to the right.
October 26, 2020 - City of Welland enters a Memorandum of Understanding with Empire Communities to design/construct the replacement of the Forks Road Bridge, and further design and build the urbanization of Forks Rd., from the Kingsway to the east limit of Forks Rd.
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Forks Road Bridge Ideas
about 2 years agoBridges connect people to destinations and bring communities together. We want to hear your ideas on this project. What's important to you in re-building the Forks Road Bridge?Feel free to "LIKE" ideas on the board. Every "LIKE" you give highlights what is important to you.BoxerMomabout 2 years agoBuild New Bridge
Great Presentation by the Engineers the other night! Thank you for taking your time. I opt for a new Bridge. As MSHALE said it on the other page- "A bridge connects local area networks being outlying communities whether they are cities or towns within the region. It is an integral link in transportation and business and social networking and growth. To deny the building of a bridge denies transportation access and linkage. It denies social interaction and integration. It denies economic expansion and growth in the community by not permitting access." A simple bridge -2 lanes with pedestrian sidewalk on one side is all that is needed.
27brainabout 2 years agonew bridge is a must
Back to 1970's, there were four ways to Dain City, canal bank to Welland, Kingsway to Port Colborne, welland bridge 18 to ELM st. and Forks Road East. When the new canal was built, two ways were closed---one to Port Colborne ,one to Forks Road East, the residents concerned about the safety around Dain City, city promised welland bridge 18 could be there forever. When bi-diesel factory was built, residents asked if something happened in the factory,the railway was blocked, it could be dangerous for Dain City people, city promised the same thing, use welland bridge 18, it could be there for ever. Now the bridge was closed, Dain city only have one way in and out, if the railway was blocked or car accident happened on Kingsway St. ,the whole Dain City could be isolated, we don't want to see this happen! Now it is not the time to vote for the bridge,it is time to raise funds! As the mayor Allan Pietz said: new bridge is a must.
12Heatherabout 2 years agoCity needs to rebuild
The City of Welland needs to approach all levels of government and rebuild the bridge. It's not just a matter of being inconvenient, it's a matter of life and death. There is one road out of town and on it sits a train tracks with a plant manufacturing bio diesel. The bridge is used by residents, 2,500 people a day communing across it, rowers who may will not be allowed to row under it, ambulances, firetrucks, and police. It is a vital link not just for Dain City but for all. It would be foolish to say that I don't use Woodlawn Rd crossing so my tax dollars shouldn't pay for that, well they did and they should. We are all part of Welland. How much will be lost in tax dollars without the new subdivision or a lawsuit against the city for a wrongful death. We are not looking for special services, just something that should have been planned for a few years ago. Don't let a tragedy happen before something is done.
6Brookeabout 2 years agoDain City residents need to realize....
Dain City residents need to realize that if they get this bridge at $12 million that could be the last time they ever see money being spent in their area for a long time. Dain City needs road and sewer repairs before an expensive bridge. Build Dain City a causeway behind the rowing club, fix the roads and sewers and I'm sure the City of Welland can get it done for less than $12 million! Dain City residents need to realize that tax money is limited and the COW is in debt.
4Bobfetaalmost 2 years agoNew South End Bridge
*Additonal Benefit to Plan: Were this bridge to service Port Colborne, Welland, and the Railway, there is the possibility cost could be shared by partners — and eligible for Federal Rail/Trade corridor grants — thus saving the city money. Dain City is so close to Port Colborne yet so isolated. Rather than replacing the Forks Road bridge, the City should create a new bridge that links Kingsway across to Intervose Dr/Elm St, creating a new North to south link. Perhaps this connection could even extend to King St, Port Colborne, behind the Canal lands. This would greatly reduce the time to get from South Welland to Port Colborne, and restore some ofthe historic connectivity that these communities had before the 1970s canal bypass was constructed. Further more, a single bridge span north to south could service railway service doubly and greatly improve north to south track connectivity. The old railway bridge is not in much better shape than the now defunct Forks Rd Bridge. Someday it will need to addressed, why not plan now? Reinstate the north-south track through Dain city and link it back with Port Colborne using a proposed combined use bridge. The track would service canal lands with additional rail service. Also, If there were long term future interest in regional commuter train this route would rapidly service Port and Welland — avoiding the significant detour through Feeder.
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Who's listening
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Phone 9057351700 Email sherri-marie.millar@welland.ca
Timeline
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April 18, 2016
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stage5 tonnes max. load restriction posted
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April 29, 2016
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageBridge closed for temporary repairs
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May 12, 2016
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageRe-opened to public [Life expectancy of 4 years]
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October 24, 2018
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageExtensive deterioration found
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November 2, 2018
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageBridge closed indefinitely at 9:00 a.m [Pedestrian traffic only]
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December 12, 2018
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stagePublic engagment comences
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April 17, 2019
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageForks Road Bridge is removed for demolition
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April 18, 2019
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageStaff continue to research options and seek upper-level government funding.
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Monday, July 6, 2020
Forks Road Bridge has finished this stageFederal Government contributes 2.5 M to bridge project
Read about it in the Welland Tribune. CLICK HERE
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October 26, 2020
Forks Road Bridge is currently at this stageCity of Welland enters a Memorandum of Understanding with Empire Communities to design/construct the replacement of the Forks Road Bridge, and further design and build the urbanization of Forks Rd., from the Kingsway to the east limit of Forks Rd.
Media Release
- Ontario Government Has Nominated 350 Rural and Northern and Public Transit Infrastructure Projects to the Federal Government
- Forks Road Bridge – Update # 4 [8.26.19]
- Forks Road Bridge Closure Update #3 [4.8.19]
- Forks Road Bridge Closure Update #2 [11.30.18]
- Forks Road Bridge Closure Update #1 [11.7.18]
- Nov 2 Forks Road Bridge Closure [10.30.18]
- Forks Road Bridge Re-opens to Public [5.12.16]
In The News
- Welland city staff frustrated over delay of key Forks Road bridge report - Jan 28, 2020
- Welland waiting on feds for Forks Road Bridge funding - Jan 14, 2020
- Welland seeks $4 million from Region for Forks Road Bridge replacement - The Welland Tribune Jan. 16, 2019
- NEWSTALK 610 CKTB (Manager of Engineering discusses Forks Road Bridge Closure on November 5, 2018
- NEWSTALK 610 CKTB (Bonnie Fokkens - Welland Ward 6 Councillor discusses the Forks Road Bridge Closure)
- Forks Road Bridge Closing Indefinitely - The Welland Tribune Oct. 30, 2018
- Dain City Residents Concerned Over Closure of Forks Road Bridge - Niagara This Week Nov. 9, 2018
- Forks Road Bridge could collapse within 16 months: Report
- Welland looking at increasing self-imposed debt limit to help pay for new Forks Road Bridge
- A new Forks Road Bridge is not a want, it’s a need
- Forks Road Bridge Floats Free
Key Dates
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April 18 2016
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October 24 2018