Norfolk County is moving forward with plans to replace the Bloomsburg Bridge and a nearby culvert on Old Highway 24 (County Road 24) in the hamlet of Bloomsburg — the section that links Simcoe and Waterford — starting in spring 2026. The work will close the main local route between Simcoe and Waterford for several months and is expected to cause travel delays in the area.
The bridge, which spans the Lynn River, has reached the end of its service life; previous inspections and assessments indicated structural vulnerabilities that require a permanent replacement rather than temporary repairs. Norfolk Today reported the work is part of the county’s larger 2026 capital plan to address aging roads and bridges.
The project will involve a full road closure at the site. The county’s plan currently schedules the road to remain closed through fall 2026, which will affect commuters, school buses and agricultural equipment. A formal detour has not yet been finalized by the county, but county planning documents and the project brief indicate traffic will likely be routed via Highway 24 and Windham Road 11.
County staff have prepared (or planned) heritage studies to guide the project so that the new design respects local character. A local report notes a Heritage Impact Assessment for the Bloomsburg Bridge and an impact study for the nearby Carillon Tower were part of planning and mitigation measures.
Mayor Amy Martin said the county is focusing in 2026 on strengthening essential community assets and advancing important infrastructure projects to position the next council for success. Once the new bridge and culvert are complete, Old Highway 24 should provide a more reliable local route between Simcoe and Waterford.
