Madawaska Bridge

As many Snowmobilers and ATVers know, for some time now a Bridge Located on B trail, in Madawaska crossing the Madawaska river has been closed. This has been a big problem for several resons:

1) The B Trail is a part of the R.A.P (Round Algonquin Park) trail network.
2) As a result of the closure, Riders must cross via a two lane (very small shoulders) Bridge dedicated to Highway 60 traffic.
3) Many snowmobilers will avoid ashpalt at all costs (for good reason) and this has caused unsafe water crossings.
4) Some riders avoid the area all together and as a result, local industry suffers.

Why is the Brige Closed? ITS OLD. REALLY OLD. The bridge was originaly part of a railway system and dates back to 1879! Maintained and used by CP, and CN then the OFSC as a recreational trail for the last 23 years until it was deamed unsafe a little over a year ago.

When a bridge is that old and showing enough wear and tare to be deamed unsafe, you basically have three options.
1) Knock it down
2) Fix it
3) Replace it
Each of these options has an upside/downside and needs to be explored. After some serious research (thanks Gord Rogers, GKR consulting and COUNTLESS environmentalists, engineers and good ol' boys.) They reached a decision:
1) Knock it down - Not ideal. Local businesses suffer from lack of tourism, riders suffer from incomplete trail systems and dangerous detours.
2) Fix it - This WAS (up until march 2010) the preffered option. HUGE dollars invested by government, OFSC and RCATV. It was decided by the engenering team to replace almost all of it but re-use main components such as the main metal tressel that supports the middle of the bridge. The plan was set in motion, and then OH OH> no one looked at the base of the metal structure that sits under the water line.... rusted out... can't be used..Engineers are people and make mistakes too I guess.
3) Replace it - *cough* yes *cough* THIS is the preffered option. The entire bridge needs to be replaced. *cough* no questions at this time...
If this project didn't have such a strong group of volunteers and officials behind it - this could have very well been the end of the road (literaly)
Replacing a bridge involves more environmental studies, wayyy more money and time, more trades, more tools, and the list goes on.
This is NOT the end of the road! There is a good chance that there will be a new bridge in place and the trail system restored in as little as 30 days! Kinda sounds like a miracle product being revealed on TV for the first time and only available for the first 20 callers - and I think that is what it is. A miracle. As someone who has a invested interest (Spectacle Lake Lodge) in tourism in the area and as a Rider, I couldn't be more proud of:
Opeongo Snow Birds - One of the smallest and poorest clubs in the OFSC but thanks to Bob, Randy, Cheryl, Gary, Pam and Lou, one of the best and most dedicated. Anyone who flew through the railbed this year is in your debt.
Snow Country - Terry - One of the nicest guys you will meet. Loves Snowmobiling and is way smarter then me...
Madawaska Valley - Craig and his team - Here is a guy who lives, eats and breathes community spirit and it amazes me how that energy can motivate everyone to do that right thing.
OFSC - District 6 and beyond - NO ONE can ever question your commitment to the sport and your pass holders.
RCATV - Brandon, Randy and team - Keep it up. ATVers are more then just trail wreckers and noise makers (although I am proud to be both) you have no idea how many people are looking forward to this season and what RCATV will bring to the table.
Ministry of Natural Resources - Thanks for making it happen. Deep down inside, we love turtles too.
GKR Consulting - Gord - The perfect middle man, and if you think "middle man" is a bad word, you haven't sat at a table with construction workers, environmentalists, government officials and snowmobilers.

Looking forward to my first ride across the new bridge. More to come.....