Skyway Bridge construction update to council

Councillors received an update on construction at the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge on Hwy 49 during today’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

Quin Mieske and Muhammad Waseem made a presentation at the 1 p.m. meeting on behalf of the Ministry of Transporation.

Mayor Steve Ferguson and council requested details be forwarded back on how overnight closures would impact travel across the bridge, whether the Glenora Ferry could run 24-hours during these periods and use of better signage and information in French to update the many travellers from Quebec during the tourist season.

The bridge, constructed circa 1967 was determined to be in need of major repairs. The work includes the complete replacement of the steel girders and deck, rehabilitation of the piers, and reconstruction of the abutments. The bridge deck will be widened slightly and will include 1.5 m shoulders on each side. The entire cost is to be borne by the provincial government.

The $40-plus million project began with consultations in 2016 with construction awarded to AECON in April 2018. The project is being done over five years, replacing one segment per year.

Traffic will be reduced to a single-lane during construction and controlled by temporary traffic signals at either end of the work zone. Both traffic lanes will are open during seasonal shutdown.

Several night-time closures on Highway 49 will be required each year to safely accommodate lifting steel girders and placing concrete in the new bridge deck. Advance notice for these closures will be given – especially to emergency services and the school board. Passage for emergency vehicles will be available.

In 2018, completed work included access on the south side, under the bridge and access to water by a temporary dock. There were two access towers for pier repairs installed and modifications to existing structural steel.

Plans for 2019 include installing temporary signals in the spring; segment C removal and replacement of the structure from March to December, in two stages and continued work on the pier and existing structural steel prior to winter shutdown.