Historic swinging bridge cut in Souris
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/07/2011 (5390 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Souris mayor Darryl Jackson confirmed that the historic swinging bridge has been cut this morning, due to the rising river in that town.
The town of Souris says it is Canada’s longest historic suspension bridge. It is a key tourism draw for the town, though it has remained closed off this season since April due to high water worries. The bridge is anchored on each side of the Souris River by a heavy concrete block. Town officials worried that as water erodes the bridges banks, the concrete block could be pulled into the water.
"The worry was, if (the water) yanked away at (the anchor), it could compromise our dike and we just could not take that chance.," Jackson said.
He said that the bridge already suffered damage in the spring, and that was also a factor in their decision.
Cables were cut only on the east side of the bridge. As of Sunday afternoon, one portion was still partially connected to supporting structures. After it becomes unattached, the mayor said they expect the bridge to swing with the current against the west bank of the Souris River.
"It will not be salvageable. Once water levels go down we will try to pull it up, so it’s not in the way of boaters and so on."
Jackson said the town has already made a commitment to rebuild the bridge. It was last replaced after flooding in 1976, so a new bridge will be Souris’ third version.
» Brandon Sun