The Provincial Government announced today that a temporary bridge will be installed in Marystown while work continues on the replacement of the Marystown Harbour Bridge, known locally as Canning Bridge.
A temporary, portable, pre-fabricated panel bridge – known colloquially as a bailey bridge – will be installed to provide direct access for local traffic, as well as maintaining emergency vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The design work, as well as the permitting process with Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to allow for the temporary structure over the waterway, will get underway this winter. Once the permitting process is complete, it is estimated that it will take approximately six months to construct the temporary bridge.
In August 2023, as a part of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s multi-year roads plan, a contract was awarded to Harbourside Engineering Consultants for the concept design work for the replacement of the Canning Bridge. The consultants’ work included design options, including road layout configurations, hydrological capacities, environmental issues, as well as different types of structures and materials for the replacement of the permanent bridge structure.
The work on the permanent replacement of the Canning Bridge will continue in tandem with the preparations for the temporary panel bridge.
Quotes
“We recognize the impacts that the replacement of the Canning Bridge is having on residents of Marystown and surrounding areas, and we also appreciate them making these concerns known. The town along with a local citizens’ committee brought forward the idea of a temporary panel bridge structure while the permanent structure is being addressed, and we committed to having our consultant review that recommendation. Based on the assessment, we are pleased to commit to this solution.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“I am so pleased with the announcement of a temporary bridge that will support the ease of access to services for residents in the Marystown area, while the work on a permanent replacement of the bridge continues. The Canning Bridge is an important piece of infrastructure driving growth and development in this region, and I look forward to the completion of this work which will bring long-term benefits for the residents of Marystown as well as the region and the province as a whole.”
Honourable Paul Pike
MHA Burin – Grand Bank
“The connectivity of both sides of our town is integral to how we live and work, and the Canning Bridge is important for that connection. We are very pleased that the Provincial Government listened to the concerns we raised arising from the bridge replacement and will install a temporary panel bridge, which will not impact any privately-owned land, while the new permanent structure is being built.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of Marystown
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