The bridge on Frederick House Lake Road just past Hoyle is closing indefinitely, the City of Timmins has announced.
The closure to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, is effective Nov. 22. The bridge crosses Porcupine River on Frederick House Lake Road.
“We had already increased inspection frequency on the bridge to ensure public safety,” said Pat Seguin, director of Public Works and Engineering, in a statement.
“It is of the opinion of Associated Engineering, as well as city staff, that it is time to indefinitely close the bridge. Further investment in the pre-1930 structure would no longer be feasible nor cost effective. The impact to residents will be minimal as alternative routes are easily accessible.”
Since 2016, the city announcement said that staff and contract engineers have been doing increased inspections of the bridge. The bridge carry capacity has already been downgraded.
Instead of taking the back road into Connaught just past the Met site, the city said people can access Frederick House Lake Road via Carrigan Road.
The City of Timmins will be doing a class environmental assessment (EA) for public consultation on whether the bridge should be replaced or removed.
TimminsToday has asked the City of Timmins for more details on the impact the closure will have on fire services and if there will be upgrades to Carrigan Road. More information will be posted when available.
