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This bridge over the Nonquon River, along Scugog Line 8, has been closed to public traffic for about two years. Got $1 million bucks to spare? Cost to replace Nonquon bridge could run as high as $35,000 per linear foot A“Thumbs Down’ published in last month’s Focus on Scugog, about the lack of repairs to a bridge which spans the Nonquon River north of Port Perry, prompted us to check out what the real the story is behind the long delayed repair of this structure. Scugog Line 8, which runs east/west between Simcoe St. and Hwy. 12, has been closed to public traffic for about two years, due to the poor condition of the bridge. While this concession road is not heavily populated -— only three residential properties west of the Nonquon and six to the east, this route has existed as part of Scugog’s transportation system for more than 135 years. It is clearly shown on an 1877 map of the former Reach Township, and to our knowledge has never been closed for any reason other than flooding. Scugog Mayor Chuck Mercier recognizes there is a long history for the road, but explained in a recent interview, the bridge was closed due to safety issues. An inspection of the bridge surface, now barricaded at both ends by large cement traffic barriers, shows a number of holes and cracks breaking through the structure, which spans the river. “A lot of our infrastructure was built after the war Area circled in yellow shows where the bridge, along Please turn to page 13 Scugog Line 8, crosses the meandering Nonquon River. 8 FOCUS - MAY 2012 05. MAY 64 FINAL FINAL.indd 8 12-04-23 7:27 AM