The full closure of the Murray Street Bridge in Wallaceburg has been delayed.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said the delay is a result of material shortages and the lack of availability of the specialized coating sub-contractor so late in the season.
The full bridge closure is now expected to be in the Spring of 2023. Municipal officials noted the revised construction will have intermittent lane and sidewalk closures with at least one lane open for vehicular traffic in either direction and one sidewalk open for pedestrian use. This phase begins on Monday and continues to the Spring.
Then in the Spring, the bridge will fully close to vehicular traffic, but one sidewalk will remain open for pedestrian use. The municipality said exact dates and durations for the Spring closure will be communicated closer to the closure in the Spring.
"Throughout the duration of the project, the Murray Street Bridge will not be operable for larger boats, however, smaller boats that do not require the bridge to be opened will be accommodated," said Manager of Engineering Brendan Falkner.
Spring detours will be in place to direct traffic around the site. The first detour includes Murray Street, McNaughton Avenue, Wellington Street, and Margaret Avenue. The second detour includes Murray Street, Queen Street, Gillard Street, McNaughton Avenue, James Street, Margaret Avenue, and Wellington Street.
The municipality warns that construction sites have many potential hazards and extreme caution should be taken by following the safety requirements and staying outside of the construction zones.
"Chatham-Kent is committed to working with Landform Civil Infrastructures Ltd. (the contractor) to maintain a safe and orderly worksite. All efforts will be made to reduce the impact on the surrounding areas," Falkner said.
For updates on this and all other projects within Chatham-Kent click here.
