It looks like work on the pedestrian bridge over the Sydenham River in Wallaceburg will be starting soon.
Council just needs to give its rubber stamp of approval to a $2.3 million contract for the LO Stonehouse Memorial Walkbridge on Monday evening at their council meeting.
Work on the bridge was approved in March 2022 and includes removing and replacing the main span and lift span with a truss structure like the existing structure, mechanical and electrical upgrades to the winch tower and controls, and installing new concrete light standards and LED accent lighting.
The work should be complete by May 15, 2024 to coincide with the beginning of the navigation season. The contractor has told the municipality it will accommodate the Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing (WAMBO) Special Event by providing "adequate space" for boats passing through the construction area.
A review of the bridge in late 2021 recommended closing the bridge due to deteriorating structural components, such as stringers, bracing, floor beams, and bottom chords of the trusses.
The LO Stonehouse Pedestrian Bridge is located between the Lord Selkirk Bridge and the Murray Street Bridge and serves as one of the main pedestrian crossings over the Sydenham River.
It was originally built in 1910, but was converted to a pedestrian bridge in 1983.
