The much-anticipated reopening of a Wallaceburg walking bridge will happen just in time for WAMBO.
The much-anticipated reopening of a Wallaceburg walking bridge will happen just in time for WAMBO.
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In a release Thursday evening, municipal staff said the LO Stonehouse pedestrian bridge was slated to reopen starting Friday at 4 pm
The structure, which crosses the Sydenham River, was initially closed in November of 2021 as a result of an inspection that identified severely damaged structural members.
Recent rehabilitation work included the new design and fabrication of the main and lift spans, incorporating design elements of the existing structure to maintain the cultural heritage value of the bridge, the municipality said.
LED accent lighting has also been added to the railings to illuminate the bridge at night.
“I am delighted to be able to say that the LO Stonehouse bridge will be open for WAMBO,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said in the release.
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“The team in infrastructure and engineering services has been working tirelessly to bring this key pedestrian bridge back into use for the people of Wallaceburg.”
In a social media post, WAMBO organizers called it “the news we’ve all been waiting for.”
The lift span is operable and can be opened to allow the passage of larger boats. The bridge will remain open for the weekend and will be closed again briefly on Monday at 7 am until Aug. 16 at 4 pm, weather permitting, to complete paint touches to the bridge’s coating.
It will continue to be operated to allow the passage of boats during this time.
Rehabilitation costs, however, have increased, according to a report slated to come before council Monday.
Staff are recommending a contract amendment of $480,250 be approved for Dayson Industrial Services Inc., while an amendment of $101,700 be approved for contract administration and inspection services by Dillon Consulting Ltd.
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In June of 2023, Dayson was awarded the $2.3 million contract for the rehabilitation. Dillon was contracted for $114,695.
“Undertaking the rehabilitation of a movable bridge structure with cultural heritage value, including work to salvage/rehabilitate elements of the existing bridge and source new materials to connect with the existing bridge elements, presented complexities and
significant challenges during construction,” the report stated.
“This required extra work beyond the contract as awarded and which was determined to be necessary to proceed with to complete the contract to its required scope.”
The report noted the project included the salvaging of two of the spans and the reuse of the existing piers, and that sourcing structural, electrical and mechanical components compatible with existing conditions “required additional engineering effort and associated costs” during the construction.
“Ensuring that all components of the bridge, both new and salvaged, were brought up to current-day requirements and safety standards, while still maintaining the aesthetic of the existing bridge, also presented challenges during construction,” it stated.
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