The Silver Bridge and Pre-Muskoka Bridge in Bracebridge are set to undergo rehabilitation following a year-long closure.
That’s according to Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney, who said Clearwater Structures Inc., the firm awarded the project by District council on Dec. 15, has already begun staging equipment at both ends of the bridge.
“The expectation is that the project will be wrapped up later this summer, early fall,” he said. “Obviously, we’ll be through another few more months having the detours in town, but it’s really, really important that the bridge gets back operational and the District is committed to do that.”
Maloney said since the bridge closed on Jan. 6, 2025, it has created significant challenges for local residents, as residential streets, which were never intended for heavy traffic volumes, are now serving as main detours, raising serious safety concerns.
According to Maloney, the District maintained the bridge consistently before it closed. However, no maintenance has been conducted since that time.
He said once the bridge reopens, the District will resume the full, regular maintenance schedule that was suspended throughout 2025.
“I’m glad that the Silver Bridge will be brought up to a standard that will ensure it continues to be a major transportation link in our town for the next 50 years or more. But also maintain its really historical and heritage position within the town of Bracebridge,” he said.
