Unforeseen construction costs to rehabilitate Wallaceburg’s downtown walking bridge could cause the municipality to fork over an additional half million dollars.
Municipal administration is recommending that Chatham-Kent Council approve a contract amendment to spend an additional $581,950 to cover costs associated with rehabilitating the LO Stonehouse Memorial Walking Bridge.
The municipality initially awarded the rehabilitation contract to Dayson Industrial Services Inc. in the amount of $2,304,500.35 on June 26, 2023. An additional $114,695 contract was also awarded to Dillon Consulting Ltd. for contract administration and inspection expenses.
However, according to a report coming to council Monday night, additional areas of deterioration of the structural steel on the bridge were identified, which were not visible when the structure was in place. Additional steel repairs were required to ensure the long-term service life of the bridge.
As well, contractors determined that a crane could not safely maneuver to install the new main span without compromising the riverbank. As a result, additional costs were incurred to erect the main span by utilizing a barge.
These issues caused the project to exceed its budget and surpass its planned completion window.
As per municipal bylaws, council approval is required to amend initial contracts when the cost exceeds $250,000. CK staff is recommending that the additional funds be taken from the municipality’s Lifeamp Bridge Reserve.
The walking bridge, which had been closed since November 2021 due to safety concerns, was reopened on Friday to allow the public to utilize the span during Wallaceburg’s signature WAMBO event. However, the span over the Sydenham River will now be closed from Monday at 7 a.m. until Friday at 4 p.m. to allow for paint touch-ups to be made to the bridge’s coating.
