Image from MayorPaterson.com
Though there was a glimmer of hope when it reopened to pedestrians earlier this month, the Lasalle Causeway bridge in Kingston will need to be demolished and replaced.
The over 100-year-old bridge has been out of service since March.
Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen took to social media ahead of the Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) official release, saying that it’s been decided that the bridge must be removed. This decision was made based on the results of the laser survey, age of the bridge, and other considerations.
Demolition means taking down the entire bridge from the navigation channel. This will need both a temporary modular bridge and a new movable bridge as a long-term replacement.
The PSPC shared in a release Wednesday afternoon that they have decided to “urgently move forward with a limited tendering process for the demolition and removal of the entire structure. We expect to be in a position to award a contract for this work as early as next week.”
Once bids are received, PSPC will have a clearer schedule and will share the timelines with the public. Pedestrian access may end next week for planning purposes, and the channel is expected to reopen for marine navigation in early July.
The MP would like to thank the public and all stakeholders for their patience as this process has unfolded. “I have been advocating on behalf of this community, as recently as this afternoon during a meeting with the Minister and PSPC officials, to ensure that we communicate information in a timely fashion.”
Written by Emily Chatwood
