A bridge over the Thames River on Kent Bridge Road near Longwoods Road remains closed for repairs.
Chatham-Kent enginerring staff say on September 15, 2016, a transport truck travelling over the bridge located on Kent Bridge Road near Longwoods Road experienced a drive shaft failure, which in turn punctured the fuel tank spilling several hundred litres of diesel fuel.
The spill covered the north bound lane of the bridge and portions of nearby Longwoods Road.
To ensure the safety of all concerned, the bridge was immediately closed.
“The reinstatement of the bridge has been a top priority for Chatham-Kent Engineering staff, as the need to have the bridge repaired promptly, especially during the harvest season, is of the utmost importance,” municipal staff stated in a press release.
“A detailed technical assessment of the damage has been completed. Full depth asphalt replacement is required in the areas that came into contact with diesel. Other repairs required due to the diesel spill include the replacement of the northern expansion joint and the waterproofing of the concrete deck. Failure to make these repairs in a timely manner will significantly reduce the lifecycle of the bridge and road.”
To date, asphalt has been milled off of the structure, Kent Bridge Road and a portion of Longwoods Road, municipal staff said.
“Base asphalt has been placed on Longwoods Road so that it is still accessible to the public,” staff say.
“This work was completed on Wednesday, September 21. To address the waterproofing and expansion joint issues, the earliest a contractor can be secured is September 28. It is estimated that the project may take up to four weeks. This timeline is heavily dependent on weather conditions as a clean, dry deck is required to apply waterproofing.”
During this time the bridge will need to remain closed.
“We have reviewed the potential of keeping one lane of traffic open to the public,” Chatham-Kent officials say.
“Due to the logistics, timing and safety concerns associated with establishing traffic control at the bridge and intersection of Kent Bridge Road and Longwoods Road, the best course of action is to repair the bridge as expeditiously as possible.”
“We understand the bridge closure will be an inconvenience to many residents. Please be assured that Chatham-Kent Engineering is doing everything possible to reduce the timeline of repair. We will continue to keep the public apprised of updates as they become available. The Sherman Brown Bridge (Communication Road/Hwy 40) is the nearest available bridge for the public to cross over the river. Thamesville Bridge (Victoria Road/Hwy 21) is also available but currently has a load posting of 20/35/48 tonnes.”
