Chatham-Kent officials have received the completed preliminary assessment on the status of the Third Street Bridge and are expediting the repair process.
Municipal officials say the bridge was closed Friday, August 8 when an inspection raised safety concerns.
Chris Thibert, Chatham-Kent’s Director of Engineering and Transportation, said the report showed deterioration in portions of the bridge’s sub-structure.
“There were sections where corrosion had caused weakening and our first course of action was to determine to what level the structure was compromised,” he said in a media release.
“Safety is our priority above all else.”
Thibert said the municipality is expediting the tender process whereby construction companies bid on the repair work.
Since the bridge was earmarked for major rehabilitation in the coming years, Thibert said this technical solution contained in the tender will allow the bridge to be reopened in a load posted state until the major work can take place.
“We’re looking at the best course of action to get the bridge opened in a safe manner and make best use of tax dollars,” he said.
