The Third Street Bridge, which is over the Thames River in Chatham, opened to all lanes of traffic, including pedestrian, on Friday October 26.
Municipal officials says the bridge has a load posted limit of 10 tonnes.
“The Municipality of Chatham-Kent would like to thank the contractors that have worked very hard to have the bridge opened approximately one week ahead of schedule,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“We appreciate the co-operation of Chatham-Kent residents during this important repair project.”
Background
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 expedited 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.
