Despite multiple delays, construction on the Third Street Bridge in Chatham is expected to be completed next month.
Brendan Falkner, Chatham-Kent’s manager of engineering for roads and bridges, said the bridge will be fully reopened to pedestrians and traffic by the end of June.
He added that municipal officials are pleased to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as the $14 million bridge rehabilitation project nears its end.
“It’s expected that the concrete deck will be poured in phases starting in mid-May. Once the deck is cured, we’ll begin construction on the railings, sidewalks and other site work,” he said. “That will be followed by asphalt paving.”
The major crossing over the Thames River has been closed since May 3, 2021. The bridge was initially expected to partially reopen to traffic this past November, however, the project was hit by several delays.
“Throughout the project, the contractor has been challenged with different labour and material shortages as a result of the pandemic,” said Falkner.
He said the contractor, Toronto Zenith Contracting Ltd, compensated by adding additional workers, extending work hours and working evenings and weekends. However, a flood in September caused further delays due to a build-up of debris in the river.
Crews were able to install the bridge’s steel girders last year, but construction was halted once again due to the cold winter weather.
“Due to the fact this a large investment in infrastructure in Chatham and it’s so important, we didn’t want to risk the long-term structural integrity of the bridge by constructing it in non-favourable conditions,” said Falkner. “We are pleased with how Toronto Zenith has responded to the many challenges that a project of this scope has been facing.”
The bridge has undergone maintenance several times since its original construction in the 1960s. Most recently, the bridge was closed for several months in 2018 for repairs.