Famous pedestrian bridge reopens tomorrow following 8 month closure

Construction on the Menesetung Bridge in Goderich. April 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

It took longer than expected and cost more than budgeted, but the Menesetung Bridge in Goderich will finally reopen to the public this week.

Work to refurbish and reinforce five concrete pillars supporting the 250 tonne pedestrian bridge began in April. An engineer’s report showed structural issues that required immediate attention.

The original budget, of just over $700,000, has jumped to more than $1 million dollars. Some serious cracks were found in the supporting pillars, and instead of closing down the bridge for a second summer to complete the work, crews stayed on site to complete the necessary repairs this year.

Built in 1904, the 118-year-old rail bridge spanning the Maitland River, supported trains up until 1989. Slated for demolition that year, local citizens banded together to save the historic structure, reopening it as a pedestrian bridge in 1992.

While there have been minor repairs since then, this is the first large scale refurbishment, according to Menesetung Bridge Association volunteers, who have spent years raising the necessary funds to complete the work.

The bridge is expected to reopen to pedestrians on Tuesday, with a Grand Opening slated for Saturday.

It’s estimated 30,000 visitors use the bridge each year as a look out and for hiking, as the bridge is attached to the Maitland Trail, and Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail.