Why is Elm Tree Road being closed?
Elm Tree Road required temporary lane closures over the bridge south of Cross Creek Road during the summer for temporary repairs that were intended to keep the bridge open through the summer and the early fall months. After careful consideration, staff determined that the temporary measures put in place will not be suitable for winter maintenance due to snow plows potentially damaging the temporary measures, generating significant health and safety concerns for snow plow operators and the public. The closure is scheduled for November 11, 2024 to April 15, 2025.
Where will Elm Tree Road be closed?
Elm Tree Road will be closed to southbound traffic at Cross Creek Road with no access south of Cross Creek Road.
Elm Tree Road will be closed to northbound traffic at Boulder Street. Local traffic will be provided access to 325 metres south of Cross Creek Road.
Is the Elm Tree Road bridge safe?
The bridge is structurally sound and safe for motorist to travel on. Structural engineers were consulted to implement the temporary measures that were made to the bridge. These temporary measures were planned to allow traffic to travel over for the summer and early fall months but have generated significant health and safety concerns for the operators of the snowplows assigned to perform winter maintenance on Elm Tree Road as well as to the public that would be regularly travelling on it. Subsequent inspections have been completed at regular intervals to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge.
Why did the municipality choose to temporarily repair the bridge instead of completing permanent rehabilitation?
Temporary repairs were completed to allow passage over the bridge during the summer and fall months. For rehabilitation of the bridge to occur, an environmental assessment and design is required prior to construction. The environmental assessment and design are in plan to be completed over the winter. Rehabilitation of the bridge is expected to begin in Spring 2025.
How long will the Elm Tree Road be closed for?
As of now, the bridge closure is intended to occur from November 11 to April 15, which is the duration of our winter maintenance season. Once construction is schedule for the bridge rehabilitation project, additional notices for closure will be issued.
Will winter maintenance be affected on the rest of Elm Tree Road and the surrounding roads?
Response times and service to Elm Tree Road and the surrounding areas will continue to adhere to timelines set out by the City of Kawartha Lakes Level of Service Policy-Road Winter Maintenance and Ontario Reg. 239/02 Minimum Maintenance Standards.
Were emergency services notified?
All emergency services have been notified of the bridge closure through the City of Kawartha Lakes Road Closure process.
Will there be a detour route?
Yes, detour routes have been provided and signage will be erected prior to the bridge closure to display the detour. Please see southbound and northbound detour routes below.
Detours
Southbound Detour Route
Southbound traffic access to Elm Tree Road south of Cross Creek Road
All southbound traffic that require access to Elm Tree Road, south of Cross Creek Road, will be detoured westbound on Little Britain Road to Valentia Road. The detour will direct traffic southbound on Valentia Road to the south portion of Elm Tree Road where you can proceed eastbound to your required route. Elm Tree Road will be closed with the exception of local traffic at Boulder Street. Access to Elm Tree Road north of Boulder Street will be provided to local traffic to approximately 325 metres south of Cross Creek Road at which point a Road Closure sign will be present. Detour signage will be posted along the route.
Download larger version of the Southbound detour map here.
Northbound Detour Route
Northbound traffic requiring access to Elm Tree Road north of the bridge located at Cross Creek Road
All northbound traffic requiring access to Elm Tree Road, north of the bridge at Cross Creek Road, will be diverted westbound on Elm Tree Road to Valentia Road. Traffic will then be rerouted northbound to Little Britain Road, then eastbound for access to Elm Tree Road and Cross Creek Road. The road will be closed at Cross Creek Road and no access will be allowed south of Cross Creek. Detour signage will be posted along the route.
Download larger version of the Northbound detour map here.
