Large boats needing the lift span to be opened on the Murray Street Bridge in Wallaceburg won't be able to get through for almost a month.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said the bridge will not be operable for larger boats that require the lift span to be opened from Monday, October 16, 2023 to Monday, November 20, 2023 to allow the bridge’s electrical components and sensors to be upgraded.
This work was scheduled to be completed at the end of the navigation season, which runs from May 15 to October 15, so there would be minimal disruption to boating traffic during the summer, said municipal officials.
The bridge will remain open to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians during this period, but will have some short disruptions for testing and commissioning procedures, said Chatham-Kent's new Director of Engineering Marissa Mascaro.
Smaller boats can still get through.
The municipality said rehabilitation on the Murray Street Bridge will be completed at the end of the year.
The $1.9 million project includes rehabilitating the steel bridge deck on the movable portion of the bridge, various concrete repairs, and improvements to the lift mechanisms and infrastructure.
"The Municipality of Chatham-Kent appreciates the patience and cooperation of the residents of the Community of Wallaceburg during this project," Mascaro said.
Click here for updates on this and all other projects within Chatham-Kent.