New Skyway Bridge cost starts at $40 million
Administrator | Jul 26, 2016 | Comments 3
Council will hear options surrounding the $40 million replacement of the Highway 49 Skyway Bridge at Shire Hall tonight.
The entire cost would be borne by the provincial government.
“They have quoted $40 million as the cost and if they built a new one beside the old one, then dismantled it, the costs would add between 200 and 300 per cent to that cost,” said PEC Mayor Robert Quaiff.
Glenn Higgins, of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), is to present an overview of the assessment of the bridge.
In 2011, the MTO reviewed the 50-year-old bridge and determinded replacement of the entire superstructure was required. The bridge has substantial deterioration to the bridge deck, piers, steel girders and does not conform to modern design standards including shoulder width and and traffic barriers.
The study lists five options that range from full closure for two years, one lane closure and partial bridge closure with single lane bi-directional traffic – over three to five years. Construction costs ranging from $40-$45 million. Traffic implications, EMS service and detours are also being considered.
The MTO will undertake a more detailed analysis of alternatives and meet with municipal governments, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, provincial and federal government agencies, the public and interest groups. A draft study report is expected by December.
Council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Shire Hall.
Filed Under: Local News
Well, how do you replace the pier supports on this bridge and still drive over it? Questions for the consultation meeting I guess. Also, why replace that bridge if there is no new road to get to and from it?
how unsafe would that bridge be if you close and replace it one lane at a time i would not cross it
Wow. A 45 million dollar bridge. And a 20 million dollar road to get to the bridge. I wonder given the evaluation of the bridge how safe it is presently.