About the project

The Region of Waterloo is replacing the Scheifele Bridge on Northfield Drive at Conestogo River in Woolwich Township. Work will feature the full replacement of the bridge deck, piers, abutments and wingwalls. The project will also include new retaining wall systems to limit impacts to wetlands, sidewalk on the east side of the new structure, protective barrier for pedestrians as well as a watermain extension from University Avenue to the bridge for future connections.

Timing — starts on or around June 1, 2026

Construction is planned to start on June 1, 2026 and is planned to occur over 2026, 2027 and 2028 construction seasons, with potential winter shutdowns as needed. 

Closures

Northfield Drive will remain open in both directions for most of the construction period as the work will be completed in stages. In stage 1, half of the bridge will be constructed.  In stage 2, traffic will be shifted onto the newly completed portion of the bridge while the remaining work is completed.

Some short-term closures may be required over the three construction seasons to safely complete certain portions of the work. If any closures are needed, residents will be notified in advance and detour routes will be clearly communicated.

Detour

Northfield Drive will remain open during construction and completed using a staged approach.  If temporary closures are required at any point in time, the detour will be communicated along with details on duration.

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Paramedics) will be notified of the construction, closures and detours to minimize any disruptions to services.

Pedestrian access

Pedestrian access across the bridge will be maintained throughout construction. However, due to narrow lanes, cyclists will be asked to use alternate routes, including University Avenue, Country Squire Lane, Country Squire Road, Glasgow Street, and Sawmill Road, during construction. 

Property and business access

All businesses in the construction area remain open and accessible during construction.

Please plan for delays during construction and when using the detours. Travel carefully in the construction zone and ensure that you follow construction traffic signage for your safety and for the safety of the workers.

Waste collection changes

Your regular waste pickup will continue as scheduled during construction. The contractor will move the black and green carts, recycling bins, yard waste and bulky items as needed and will return empty containers to the correct property the same day. Please label your carts with your address and place all carts at your curb before 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Oversized and slow-moving vehicles/buggies

Large trucks and farming equipment as well as buggies will continue to use Northfield Drive for access to businesses and area farms during the tree removals. Many of these vehicles are wider than conventional lane widths and move at slow speeds. Please be patient, drive slowly through the construction zone, yield to oncoming wide vehicles or equipment, and use caution when approaching slow moving vehicles from behind.

Additional impacts

You may notice slight vibrations from the contractor’s equipment during construction. All efforts will be made to minimize impacts from construction including dust, mud and vibration.

More information

Visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/scheifele-bridge for more information and to stay up to date on the project.