It’s taking longer than anticipated to replace the Black Bridge in Bracebridge.

The project to replace the century-old bridge began in June and was originally scheduled to wrap up before the end of the year. Supply chain delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, pushed that schedule off course.

“Various bridge material deliveries and supply-chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic environment delayed fabrication of the bridge,” said a statement from the town. “The steel structure has now been delivered to the site and installed on the abutments. However, due to upcoming winter conditions and outstanding construction material deliveries, the remaining site work required to open the bridge will not be completed until the spring of 2021.”

The Town of Bracebridge awarded the bridge-replacement contract to Scarborough’s McPherson-Andrews Contracting Limited. Design and contract administration work is being performed by Planmac Engineering from Etobicoke.

Works remaining on the project includes forming and pouring the concrete bridge deck and sidewalk; completing the road approaches and guiderails; installing the bridge railings; waterproofing the bridge deck; paving the deck and road approaches.

Construction will continue over the winter months and through the early spring.

The Black Bridge is located over the south branch of the Muskoka River on Matthiasville Road, approximately one kilometre north east of Highway 118 East.