Aug. 6, 2010 – The deteriorating condition of the St. Peters Bridge has forced government to delay the Cardigan Bridge replacement until next year, says Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Ron MacKinley.
“Last week, departmental officials were notified of damage to the St. Peters Bridge deck and, once officials had a closer look, it became apparent that the whole bridge had to be replaced this year,” said Minister MacKinley. “Therefore we must delay the replacement of the Cardigan Bridge until next year, and use the funds committed to that project in St. Peters.”
Replacement of the St. Peters Bridge deck was scheduled for the 2011 construction season. But, given the deteriorating condition of the bridge and the heavy volumes of car and truck traffic at that location, officials have decided the bridge replacement must happen this year. Officials will continue to monitor the Cardigan Bridge and take appropriate measures until the department can replace that structure in 2011.
“Our bridge inspection program ensures every bridge on the Island is inspected every two years, and its findings guide the Department in setting priorities for bridge replacement and repair,” said Minister MacKinley. ”But the Department has a limited budget for bridge replacements, and this year that amount was completely dedicated, so we have to delay Cardigan in order to complete St. Peters this year.”
Officials expect work to replace the bridge will get underway in mid-to-late September. In the meantime, the St. Peters Bridge will remain open to one lane of traffic with stop-and-go traffic controls at either end.
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