The City of Guelph retained GEI to complete a Schedule ‘B’ Environmental Assessment (EA), detailed engineering design, regulatory approvals, tendering, contract administration, and construction inspection services for the reconstruction of the Norwich Street Pedestrian Bridge—a single-span pony-truss structure crossing the Speed River in downtown Guelph.

Originally closed to vehicular traffic in 2003, the bridge has since served as a pedestrian link within the city’s active transportation network. The steel trusses, designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1999, were identified through the EA process as important cultural features to be retained. However, the original pony-truss design could not support modern pedestrian loading. To preserve its heritage value, the trusses were maintained as aesthetic elements, while a new pedestrian bridge was constructed within their framework.

Project Highlights

• Completed Environmental Assessment, detailed design, and construction administration.
• Preserved heritage truss elements while integrating a new pedestrian bridge structure.
• Coordinated extensively with utility providers (hydro, telecommunications, water, sanitary, and storm) and the local rail authority for construction safety and staging.
• Hosted a Public Information Centre to engage local businesses and residents prior to construction.
• Implemented winter construction staging to maintain community access and meet project deadlines.
• Performed concrete abutment repairs, retaining wall refacing, parking lot entrance reconstruction, and utility support upgrades for watermain and sanitary crossings.

The project was completed on schedule and on budget, successfully balancing heritage preservation with modern design requirements, and strengthening a key pedestrian connection within the City of Guelph’s downtown core.