Tatham was retained for the design and rehabilitation of the Acton Island Bridge, a 100-meter, single-lane bridge located on Muskoka Road 29 in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

As the only point of road entry for over 300 cottages and full-time residences, it was vital for the crossing to remain open for traffic, pedestrians, and emergency services throughout the 6-month construction period.

Working together with the District Municipality of Muskoka and the Acton Island Association, Tatham deployed a seven-stage approach that maintained one open lane. A portion of the wide curbs were removed to provide a greater work area, and an innovative, temporary wooden walkway was installed along the outside of the bridge for pedestrians. Boat access under the bridge was also maintained.

Bridge rehabilitation work protected critical structural components and included the repair and resurfacing of the bridge deck. The service life of the bridge was extended by 25 years to reach a total of 75 years.

Winner of the 2024 Ontario Engineering Project Award of Distinction