The deteriorating condition of the St. Peters Bridge has forced government to delay the Cardigan Bridge replacement until next year, says Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Ron MacKinley.
“Last week, departmental officials were notified of damage to
the St. Peters Bridge deck and, once officials had a closer look, it
became apparent that the whole bridge had to be replaced this year,”
said Minister MacKinley. “Therefore we must delay the replacement of
the Cardigan Bridge until next year, and use the funds committed to that project in St. Peters.”
Replacement of the St. Peters Bridge deck was scheduled for the
2011 construction season. But, given the deteriorating condition of the
bridge and the heavy volumes of car and truck traffic at that location,
officials have decided the bridge replacement must happen this year.
Officials will continue to monitor the Cardigan Bridge and take
appropriate measures until the department can replace that structure in 2011.
“Our bridge inspection program ensures every bridge on the
Island is inspected every two years, and its findings guide the
Department in setting priorities for bridge replacement and repair,”
said Minister MacKinley. ”But the Department has a limited budget for
bridge replacements, and this year that amount was completely dedicated, so we have to delay Cardigan in order to complete St. Peters this
year.”
Officials expect work to replace the bridge will get underway in
mid-to-late September. In the meantime, the St. Peters Bridge will
remain open to one lane of traffic with stop and go traffic controls at
either end.
Shut up