Heather Wright/The Independent

Plympton-Wyoming Deputy Mayor Netty McEwen says it doesn’t make sense to spend $20,000 to study a bridge that goes nowhere.

Paul daSilva, Director of Public Works, in a report to council June 11, suggested spending $40,000 to do Municipal Environmental Assessments on two low-traffic bridges, one on O’Brien Road, the other on Elmsley Road.

“I took a drive out to that bridge on O’Brien, and it’s just a plank crossing that really goes to nothing. So I’m wondering why we have to have an asset –  a $20,000 assessment on it when it doesn’t go anywhere,” McEwen said.

daSilva says the Environmental Assessments aren’t a requirement but it would help council make the right decision on whether to fix or abandon the bridge.

“There are other alternatives besides closing or removing, including rehabilitation or replacement,” he said. “It’s going to give us all the information we need to make that informed decision, including all the consultation, not only with the public, but with all the regulatory agencies.”

Chief Administrative Officer, Adam Sobanski, agreed saying if council were to abandon the bridges without an assessment, it would have to be done later as the bridge was removed. 

“You still have to do public consultation. You still have to get the appropriate permits from the St. Clair Conservation Authority, possibly Fisheries and Oceans and others. So the most you’re saving is the time to do the engineering, to give prices, to attach the options to council.”

Council approved the studies. They’re expected to be completed by November.