Study Overview

In late 2021, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) initiated a Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to rehabilitate the Chain Lake Culvert, Depew River Bridge, CPR Overhead Bridge, and South White River Bridge located on Highway 17, as shown on the map below, with the intent of prolonging the structures’ service life. However, after further review the MTO is moving forward with the replacement of the Depew River Bridge, CPR Overhead Bridge, and South White River Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Chain Lake Culvert. As a result, a new EA study is being initiated for the Preliminary and Detail Design of these structures.

The proposed work includes the following:

• Rehabilitation of the Chain Lake Culvert, including full depth concrete repairs at both culvert ends

• Replacement of the CPR Overhead Bridge with a single span structure

• Replacement of the Depew River Bridge with a single span structure realigned to the east of the existing structure

• Replacement of the South White River Bridge with a single span structure realigned to the east of the existing structure

The Study is following the approved environmental planning process for a Group ‘B’ project in accordance with the MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities, 2000 (Class EA).

Key Next Steps

• Undertake additional investigations in the vicinity of the four structures and update existing environmental condition reports

• Generate and evaluate alternatives for replacing the CPR Overhead, Depew River, and South White River Bridges

• Consult with review agencies, Indigenous communities and stakeholders

• Identify the preferred replacement alternative for CPR Overhead, Depew River, and South White River Bridges

• Confirm potential environmental impacts and develop mitigation measures for each of the four structures

• Prepare a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) and make it available for a 30-day comment period

• Prepare a Preliminary Design Report