Long-awaited repairs to Wallaceburg’s L.O. Stonehouse Walking Bridge are underway.
The bridge, which connects the downtown core with the community’s southside across the Sydenham River, should be back in working order in time for WAMBO, Wallaceburg’s annual classic car and boat extravaganza.
According to a media release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, work began the structure in January, with completion slated for mid-July of this year.
The river is expected to remain passable for watercraft during the revamp in accordance with Transport Canada’s navigation season, which begins May 15.
Many upgrades are in the works, including the installation of coloured lighting, similar to what has been installed on the Third Street Bridge in Chatham. However, that portion of the upgrade won’t be finished until this fall.
C-K engineering director Marissa Mascaro recognizes that Wallaceburg’s walking bridge is one of the main pedestrian crossings over the Sydenham River.
“Our project team is working hard to get this important project completed and we look forward to the community’s excitement with the pedestrian bridge opens,” Mascaro stated.
Although it may appear there is little happening at the site at present, work on drawings and fabrication of materials off-site are in full swing in preparation for installation beginning in May.
