The original project timelines of the Third Street Bridge Rehabilitation project targeted two lanes of traffic on the structure by the end of November 2021.
Municipal officials say throughout the project, the contractor has been challenged with labour and material shortages and most recently, the flood on September 24.
In response, the contractor has added additional crews, extended hours of operation on evenings and weekends, and worked concurrently on various components of the bridge in an attempt to recover the lost time.
Despite the contractors best efforts to keep the project on schedule, they have been unable to make up the time required to provide two lanes of traffic on the bridge before the end of 2021.
The expectation is that the project will be completed and the bridge will be in service by the end of June 2022, Municipal officials say.
The remaining work on the project involves construction related activities that are temperature sensitive to ensure proper curing and quality control.
This project is a significant investment in the community and it is important that it is constructed in weather conditions that will not compromise the long term structural integrity of the bridge.
For these reasons, Chatham-Kent and Toronto Zenith have agreed that it is in the best interest to halt construction during the winter months and resume in the spring when weather conditions are more favourable.
Thames Street between St. Clair Street and Kent Street will be reopened while construction has been paused during the winter.
The current detours, which include the use of the Fifth Street Bridge and Lacroix Street bridge, will remain in place throughout the winter.
Fire and Emergency Services have been consulted throughout this project to ensure that the closure of the Third Street Bridge has not negatively impacted emergency response times.
The navigational clearance under the bridge will be maintained throughout the winter.
Chatham-Kent would like to thank all of the residents and businesses that have been affected by this closure for their patience and co-operation.
This rehabilitation of the Third Street Bridge will result in an updated structure that will serve as a safe and functional asset to the community for many years, Municipal officials added.
For updates on this and all other projects in Chatham-Kent, please visit www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects.
