Unusual wear and tear on the decking of Princeton’s brown bridge has prompted the municipal works department to experiment with a solution to extend the life of the structure.
The bridge was closed Wednesday morning while a crew fastened metal strips at the entrance to the bridge off Bridge Street, in an attempt to protect the wood decking.
“It was degrading faster than what we thought was normal,” said Thomas.
“We kind of attributed that to studded tires.”
Thomas said the strips were designed by works department employees.
The brown bridge was re-decked in 2017 at a cost of about $60,000.
Related: Experts say Princeton’s brown bridge is nearing the end of its life
Last year an engineering report revealed it is nearing the end of its useful life.
“That report identified [the end] in about ten years,” said Thomas.
“This council has taken that very seriously and they are starting to strategize and look for grant funding and squirrel money away in reserves…to prepare for that.”
Built in the 1930’s the brown bridge is one of the few wooden bridges remaining in use in the province.
Related Opinion: What will happen if the brown bridge is assessed?
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