KAWARTHA LAKE-After announcing the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge would be reopening this fall, Parks Canada now says it won’t reopen this year, putting the project more than a year over schedule.
Officials say mechanical components and hydraulic equipment manufactured for the bridge that were expected to arrive on site this fall have been delayed, moving back the completion date once again.
“Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor, stressing the importance of completing the project. We appreciate your patience while we undertake these important investments into the infrastructure in Bobcaygeon.” said a press release from the organization.
Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan expressed her frustration with the federal government.
“As a councillor and a business owner, I understand the importance of this bridge to small businesses in Bobcaygeon. We cannot continue to have the village essentially split in half by this project. Businesses on both sides are suffering. These delays are unacceptable.” Â Seymour-Fagan stated.
In August Parks Canada announced the bridge was on track to open this fall. Hydraulic equipment being manufactured for the bridge was expected to arrive on site in September.
Work completed to date includes the disassembly and media blasting of the bridge steel structure, replacement and painting of the new steel structure, delivery and installation of various mechanical components, installation of the wooden decking on the pedestrian walkway, partial completion of the wooden decking on the vehicular travel path, trenching for new hydraulic and electrical lines and concrete removals on the bridge abutments according to Parks Canada.
The remaining tasks include completing concrete works on the bridge abutments, installing the remaining mechanical components, the vehicular bridge deck, hydraulic and electrical components, and paving.
Until the bridge reopens, the enhanced pedestrian access over the upper gates of Lock 32 and its access paths will remain in place.
