EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on Milton Today Dec. 28.
The Town of Milton continues to press ahead with plans to remove a bridge along Peru Road, with staff expecting the matter to go before council for approval in the second quarter of 2025.
According to Diana Jiona, director of infrastructure for the Town of Milton, the decision to remove the bridge -- located 800 metres north of Steeles Avenue -- comes in part due to input from Conservation Halton.
She said that during the planning process for the Sherwood Secondary plan – a policy document governing development in the area – “removal was identified as a requirement from Conservation Halton. The removal was further referenced in the sub-watershed and fisheries studies for this area.”
“The bridge removal will also enhance natural heritage in the area, which was one objective in the sub-watershed study. After the bridge removal, cul-de-sacs are deemed to be required so residents can continue to receive services, for example, from emergency vehicles,” add Jiona.
Peru Road north of Steeles Avenue is largely a rural road, with the bridge passing over a meandering creek that connects to Kelso Lake, about three kilometres to the east.
Currently still in its planning stages, staff are looking at the various environmental factors pertaining to the project. These can include studying the topography of the area, the environmental impact of the changes and legal requirements that need to be considered.
The cul-de-sac is expected to be wide enough to accommodate trucks and emergency vehicles. The hope is to accommodate a WB-20 style of truck, which has a length of 22.7 metres, on the cul-de-sac to be built on the north side of the creek. The south will accommodate emergency vehicles and maintenance trucks.
More information about the bridge removal and cul-de-sac implementation can be found on Let’s Talk Milton.