Sudbury scales back plan to fix College Street underpass

After approving – then cancelling – a $25 million fix for the crumbling College Street underpass, Greater Sudbury is now proposing a much more modest fix for $8.7 million. (File)

After approving – then cancelling – a $25 million fix for the crumbling College Street underpass, Greater Sudbury is now proposing a much more modest fix for $8.7 million.

The scaled-back plan would be funded by money from the federal government that the city already received.

The more ambitious fix for College Street was nixed during this year’s city budget talks in order to bring down the property tax increase.

Built in 1949

The oldest bridge in the city, the underpass was built in 1949. An inspection done in 2022 recommended the bridge be replaced because it was in such poor condition.

Complicating the repair process is the fact that three railway tracks run along the top of the structure. Staff had recommended the $25 million option that would extend the life of the existing bridge for another 25 to 30 years and would add a roundabout and cycling infrastructure and prepare the way to link up with the future Ste. Anne Road extension.

Money for the work had already been budgeted in a special capital levy of $1.9 million a year.

However, a report headed to the Feb. 24 operations committee says the same 25- to 30-year extension can be achieved with the $8.7 million plan, by focusing only on bridge repairs.

Repairs only, no modifications

“The required bridge rehabilitation efforts are focused solely on the bridge structure, while maintaining the current road cross section and existing vertical clearance,” a staff report on the project said.

“Only concrete elements visible above grade would be repaired, and no modifications would be made to the surrounding roadway or intersection geometry.”

The repairs would give the city time to negotiate with the railways on a cost-sharing agreement for a full replacement.

“Proceeding with a full replacement or undertaking enhancements beyond essential structural rehabilitation would place a disproportionate financial burden on the municipality without securing contributions from the infrastructure user,” the report said.

“Limiting the scope to necessary repairs allows the city to maintain public safety and preserve the asset while continuing discussions with the rail company and other levels of government regarding their participation in future capital works.”

Read the full report here.