Improvements coming to Doube’s Trestle Bridge

Trail improvements to the historic Doube’s Trestle Bridge are commencing mid September and could take
two months. The cost is in excess of $100,000. Worn wood decking is being replaced with environmentally friendly composite lumber to permit safer passage and provide a longer lifespan.

Doube’s Trestle Bridge passes over the Buttermilk Valley, which is roughly situated east of Omemee and west of Peterborough. Originally constructed in the 1880s for the Midland Railway, it stretches approximately 572 feet across nine spans and stands about 70 feet high. It is one of Ontario’s great remaining railway attractions. The bridge offers trail users, residents and visitors alike, beautiful vistas of natural features and drumlins in the Buttermilk Valley.

Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association (KTCTA) consultant, Al McPherson said, “If not for a combination of contributions received through donations, sponsorships, trail maintenance and enhancements would not be possible.”

Contributors are integral to management of the Kawartha section of The Great Trail. Kawartha Lakes’ stretch of trail is 53.8 kilometers and it is not municipally funded. Volunteer stewards of the trail rely on contributions for maintenance, enhancements, and promotion.

John Hagarty, KTCTA Chairperson, said, “Trail safety and enjoyment are paramount to our stewardship role.” Bridge maintenance is being done with minimal disruption to trail users, but we rely on their co-operation to ensure the contractor’s crew can get the job done in a timely manner.

Trail users are encouraged to follow cautionary signs and asked to give way to the crew prior to crossing the bridge during the construction period. “Our Board and volunteers have been instrumental in a range of ongoing projects along the trail, such as trimming brush, trail bed maintenance, and garbage removal. Improvements to bridges, drainage, and signage are also critical maintenance tasks.

We have undertaken numerous enhancement projects too,” added Hagarty. Contributions from residents and businesses are absolutely essential. For more information about the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail or how you can help, visit ktct.ca