Safety concerns are one of the reasons why a bridge over Chippewa Creek at Third Avenue and Hammond Street is being removed.
“The nearly 100-year-old bridge is failing and has been subject to load restrictions,” states a release from the city. “Removing the bridge and terminating the road connection between Hammond Street and Third Avenue with cul-de-sacs was the preferred option recommended by an environmental assessment (EA) completed in 2014 to review options for the aging infrastructure.”
The city says the project will also mitigate the risk of flooding to nearby properties.
After council votes on awarding the contract later this month, construction is expected to begin in July and wrap up in the late fall.
Along with resurfacing, the project involves removal of the bridge, construction of two cul-de-sacs, reconfiguration of the multi-use pathway and the addition of new parking spaces.
The city also says as a result of earlier consultation with the City Municipal Heritage Committee, portions of the bridge’s balusters and railing will be preserved.
