New Erie Park bridge re-connects Oshawa residents to trail system

A newly re-constructed pedestrian bridge in Oshawa’s Erie Park is now open, just in time for …spring?

The Friday snowfall notwithstanding, the Erie Street bridge was an important project for area residents, as it connects pedestrians and cyclists with the Joseph Kolodzie Trail and the rest of the Oshawa Creek valley trail system.

Oshawa Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson said the underpinnings of the old bridge were starting to erode away and the structure was in danger of falling into the creek.

Erosion control work included shoring up the banks and planting new trees and shrubs and the City created new foundations for the bridge and re-paved the pathway with energy-efficient LED lighting leading.

Bronte Construction – the winning bidder of ten bids – was called in early last year to build a new galvanized steel bridge with safety railings.

“The bridge is totally serviceable now. It won’t erode,” said Nicholson.

Further improvements for the area are planned this summer, including additional erosion control protection along the Oshawa Creek and the replacement of the existing stone retaining wall adjacent to the creek edge north of the bridge.

The Erie Bridge is just west of Simcoe Street and just south of Bloor Street and Hwy 401 in Oshawa’s south end.