Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall, is sponsored by Country Style in Wallaceburg:
As many of you are aware, corrosion is to blame for a load restriction being implemented on the Lord Selkirk Bridge in Wallaceburg.
Adam Sullo, director of engineering and transportation, told us there are no “immediate concerns” for the bridge, but a decision needs to be made on the future of the nearly 71-year-old structure, which has a projected lifespan of 75 years.
The Municipality provided some background on the Wallaceburg bridge back in August of 2014:
– Twin leaf bascule bridge
– Replacement value of approximately $ 20,400,000 ($ 20.4M)
– Originally constructed in in the late 40’s. (1946 / 1947)
– Annual average daily traffic = 20,000 vehicles
– Rehabilitation / repair contracts in 1974, 1975, 1990, 1998, 2010, 2012
– The bridge is within the Hwy 40 Connecting Link and was formerly subsidized on a “case-by-case basis” under the former Connecting Link Program.
Stephen Jahns, the former manager of infrastructure and transportation, told us in 2014 that the structure does currently reside within the Municipalities 10-year work plan and is slated for $2.5 million of rehabilitation in 2017.
“This work may need to be advanced/reprioritized due to the rate of deterioration of key elements,” he said. “Any such updates will be provided to council as to any implications to funding.”
What do you think the Municipality should do with the bridge?
Please vote below and let us know:
[polldaddy poll=”9561079″]
‘Funny’ Halloween costumes prevail
It appears the majority of our readers are opting for a ‘Treat’ as opposed to a ‘Trick’ this year.
Here are the results of last week’s Halloween costume poll:
What will the theme be for your Halloween costume?
Funny 35.29% (12 votes)
Clever 23.53% (8 votes)
Scary 23.53% (8 votes)
Cute 11.76% (4 votes)
Group 5.88% (2 votes)
Total Votes: 34
If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
Photo of the day
Gail Cook snapped this awesome photos of a hawk along Highway 40. Nice shot, Gail!
Weather forecast for Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Today – Sunny early this morning then a mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers this afternoon. Wind becoming northwest 20 km/h this morning. High 11. UV index 3 or moderate.
Tonight – Partly cloudy. Wind northwest 20 km/h becoming light this evening. Low plus 2 with risk of frost.
World news
Four killed after incident at Queensland theme park
Day two of Calais ‘Jungle’ demolition
Dozens killed in Pakistani police academy attack
