Simmons Bridge Rehabilitation

About the Project

Map of construction area

The County of Wellington is rehabilitating the Simmons Bridge, at the northwest edge of Drayton in the Township of Mapleton. This rehabilitation is an important investment in the long-term safety and reliability of the bridge infrastructure serving the community.

Construction Schedule:
May 19, 2026 – Late October 2026

Traffic Impacts:
A full road closure of Wellington Street North (Wellington Road 11) is in place at the bridge during construction.

Northbound traffic is being detoured via Wellington Road 7 and Wellington Road 12, as indicated by posted signage and the detour map below.

View Detour Map

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Progress Updates from the Site:

A man in construction attire walks over a wood platform to get to the old simmons bridge
Rehabilitation work continues across the bridge deck as crews prepare for the next phase of construction.
Close up of the concrete on Simmons Bridge with blue markings over old cracked concrete.
Deteriorated concrete is being removed to expose and repair areas affected by corrosion before new concrete is placed.
Section of bridge with exposed concrete and metal
Repairs to the bridge deck and steel structure are helping preserve the bridge for decades to come..
Top of bridge with construction crews and generator.
Construction crews continue rehabilitation work on Simmons Bridge, including steel repairs and concrete restoration.
close up of old rivots and new bolts.
Old rivets are being replaced with new high-strength bolts to improve the bridge's structural performance and durability.
Construction worker working on bridge structure.
Crews are removing original rivets and installing new high-strength bolts to strengthen the bridge's steel connections and improve long-term performance.
New temporary platform under the old bridge.
A temporary work platform provides safe access for crews to complete steel repairs, concrete restoration, and other rehabilitation work beneath the bridge.
Rusty metal truss bridge spanning a calm river under a cloudy sky with green trees along the banks.
The temporary platform allows crews to work efficiently underneath the old bridge while helping keep construction materials out of the river.
Rusty metal truss bridge with a wooden plateformunderneath, surrounded by green vegetation and cloudy sky.
A new work platform beneath the bridge gives crews safe access to complete repairs and strengthen key structural components.
Three workers in safety vests walk on a road blocked by construction debris and equipment under a cloudy sky.
Progress continues on the Simmons Bridge rehabilitation project as crews work above and below the bridge to keep it strong and reliable for years to come..
Damaged bridge with a large hole in the concrete surface under cloudy skies and construction equipment in the background.
Expansion joint replacement is underway on the bridge deck. These joints help the bridge adjust to temperature changes and traffic movement, reducing wear and tear over time.

Enjoy Drayton

A roadside sign that reads "Drayton Businesses OPEN During Construction. Customer are local traffic!"

While travel routes have changed, downtown Drayton businesses remain open and accessible.

Visitors are encouraged to continue shopping, dining, and supporting local businesses during construction.

Free parking is available at 11 Main St. W., with additional street parking throughout downtown.

How to Access Downtown    Municipal Parking Map

Contest postcard held in front of the Drayton Theatre

Shop Local & Win!

Support Drayton businesses during the Simmons Bridge rehabilitation! Visit participating businesses, collect six unique stickers on your ballot, and submit it for your chance to win cash prizes and gift cards and a $500 grand prize.

Participating businesses include...

  • à la mode
  • Drayton Pharmacy
  • ONEDEE’s Thai Kitchen & more
  • Drayton Chop House 
  • Dobben's Hardware
  • Corner Krest Salon
  • Studio Rae
  • Drayton Massage and Osteopathy
  • Country Chic Aesthetics
  • Blooms on Main
  • Drayton Festival Theatre
  • Drayton Freshmart
  • Family Time Pizza
 
Block party flyer

Worth the Detour Block Party

Come to the Worth the Detour Block Party on Friday, August 21, from 5:00 - 10:00 pm on Wellington Street North in downtown Drayton. Enjoy live local music, delicious food, Southern Ontario craft breweries, and family-friendly activities. Construction can't keep our towns down!

Come experience why downtown Drayton is truly Worth the Detour!

 

 

 

For Local Businesses

Text Read: Drayton, Worth the Detour. Local Businesses Remain Open.

Worth the Detour Marketing Toolkit

In partnership with the Township of Mapleton, Wellington County has developed a Marketing Toolkit to support Downtown Drayton businesses and organizations during construction.

The toolkit includes:

  • Email templates
  • Printable window signage
  • Ready-to-use social media posts
  • Collaborative marketing ideas
  • Website update suggestions
  • Marketing learning resources
Register to Download Toolkit: