CRA completes up to a dozen road/stream crossing projects every year. These projects involve removing undersized and aging culverts and replacing them with structures that reduce the impact on the water, fish and wildlife moving beneath them.
Many of the crossings we work on are refitted with timber bridges. As a building material, wood is abundant, versatile and a renewable resource. Timber bridges are strong, relatively lightweight and can easily last 50 years or more. And, they’re picturesque!
We celebrated two great timber bridge projects this fall. The first was on Springbrook Road where it crosses the North Branch of the Boyne River (top right). This bridge was installed in 2012 to replace two perched culverts that were severely degrading the Boyne River Watershed.
The second was on Ely Bridge Road where it crosses the Maple River (bottom right). The Maple River Watershed has a number of crossings we’ve inventoried, ranked and are tackling on a prioritized basis – the goal in this watershed is 100% connectivity. Thanks to all who joined us and all the great partners in these watersheds!