County Road 27 Wye River Bridge and Martin Drain Bridge Improvements
The Wye River South Bridge (Bridge No. 027574) is located on County Road 27, approximately 150m north of Flos Road Ten, in the Township of Springwater and Martin Drain Bridge (Bridge No. 027576) is located 220m north of the Wye River South Bridge.
The Wye River South Bridge has been in service since 1928 and the Martin Drain Bridge since 1933. Both Bridges were last rehabilitated in 2002. The overall condition of the Wye River South Bridge is described as fair to poor with significant deterioration of numerous components, in particular those that appear to be from the original circa 1928 construction. In addition, the Wye River South Bridge does not meet the current standards for lane widths and side clearances. The overall condition of the Martin Drain Bridge is described as fair and is also identified as being deficient in terms of lane widths and side clearances.
Considering the proximity of two structures and traffic staging requirements for County Road 27, both structures were considered in the development and evaluation of improvement options.
Timelines (subject to change as project proceeds)
The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment was commenced in 2024. Public Information Centre #1 was published on September 6, 2024 with comments accepted for consideration until October 25, 2024. Public Information Centre #2 was published on August 5, 2025 with comments subsequently received for consideration until August 19, 2025. Public Information Centre #3 was held at the County’s Administration Centre on March 10, 2026. with the presentation material also published on the County’s website, and comments were received for consideration until March 31, 2026. The Notice of Completion was issued on August 12, 2026 with the ESR made available for review on the County’s website. Comments on the ESR will be accepted until September 11, 2026.
At the present time, property acquisition and utility relocation work is anticipated for 2027 with the bridge and road construction anticipated for 2028.
Public Information Centre No. 1
Public Information Centre No. 2
Public Information Centre No. 3
Municipal class environmental assessment
The County of Simcoe initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to identify options to address both condition and functional deficiencies that were identified with the existing bridge. Due to the bridge’s proximity to the Martin Drain Bridge (Bridge No. 027576), which is located approximately 220 meters further north, and given that the Martin Drain Bridge has similar functional deficiencies, the Martin Drain Bridge was also considered in this process.
Public, agency, and stakeholder consultation, including communications with Indigenous Communities, continues to be an important part of this process. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the Study Team using the following contact information: Mr. Brian Wickenheiser, P. Eng., P.E. via e-mail at brian.wickenheiser@ainleygroup.com and Ms. Julie Kerstens, P. Eng. via e-mail at julie.kirstens@simcoe.ca
An Environmental Study Report (ESR) has been prepared to document the planning process that was completed with a copy of the ESR available for download and review from the below link. Comments will be received until September 11, 2026.
County’s Commitment and Experience
The County of Simcoe continues to invest in keep the infrastructure in a state of good repair.
We appreciate the public’s patience as we ensure that work on this significant improvement is being completed safely and properly and according to the County’s requirements