First look at new First Street bridge
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 07/11/2015 (3801 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The province has unveiled an artist’s rendering of Brandon’s new First Street bridge with construction expected to begin in December.
The two new structures include an active transportation component.
“It’s going to be a very proactive bridge in terms of healthy living and active living,” said Municipal Government Minister and Brandon East NDP MLA Drew Caldwell. “Those bike/pedestrian pathways, I fully expect, will be used extensively by people in Brandon. I know I’m certainly looking forward to going across the river on my bike, too.”
The tender closes on Nov. 17 for the project, which includes demolition and construction. The drawing shows a design similar to the existing Thompson Bridge on 18th Street North.
“The bridges are entranceways to Brandon, so we want to make sure they’re very attractive and reflect the sophistication of the community,” Caldwell said.
Traffic detours and barricades have been set up in preparation of the major project, expected to take two years and cost in the range of $40 million to $60 million. Traffic flow is now reduced from four to two lanes in the area.
A temporary road is being constructed through the median along First Street North.
“Traffic will be in one lane each direction during construction, so it’s to provide for continued usage during the construction period,” Caldwell said.
The northbound section is being demolished and built first, followed by the southbound section.
In March of last year, Premier Greg Selinger announced structural issues had been discovered on the First Street bridge following an engineering analysis. As a result, its repair or replacement would be put to the top of the priority list and the Daly Overpass expansion bumped down.
Ruth Eden, director of structures with Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation, previously told the Sun that following the premier’s direction, design work began very quickly on the First Street bridge project, along with environmental approvals.
“From his perspective, we needed to get working on it and it did come on quick,” Eden said.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @jillianaustin