Local residents can expect to see activity around the Sydenham River in downtown Wallaceburg in the coming weeks as rehabilitation work ramps up on the L.O. Stonehouse Memorial Walking Bridge.
According to an update provided by the Wallaceburg BIA, the project contractor has begun preparation work at the site of the walking bridge. Additional work will begin in the coming weeks to remove some of the existing parts of the span, which will either be “recoated” or replaced.
Technical shop drawings of the rehabilitated span have been completed over the last few months, along with the ordering and fabrication of needed materials.
Construction of the bridge will also include the installation of coloured lighting, similar to what is currently installed on the Third Street bridge in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent Council approved a $2.3 million tender for the rehabilitation project back in June, with Hamilton-based Dayson Industrial Services hired to complete the work.
Installation of the rehabilitated bridge is expected to begin in early May with completion planned for some time in July. The lighting components will be activated in the fall.
The Sydenham River will remain open and passable for boats during construction.
The downtown Wallaceburg bridge, originally built in 1910 and converted to a pedestrian crossing in 1983, has been shut down since November 2021 due to safety concerns.
