CN to look into James St. bridge safety issues

CN Rail officials are coming to Thunder Bay on May 9 to discuss the status of the James Street swing bridge.

Some area residents have complained about the condition of the railway-owned bridge. Last summer a woman fell into the Kaministiquia River through a damaged portion of the bridge walkway.

CN spokesperson Lindsay Fedchyshynsaid the railway is aware of community concerns.

"We do know that traffic levels have increased over the years," she said. "There are all types of different vehicles that are going across it. I do know that it is an issue that we certainly need to talk with Engineering about."

Fedchyshyn said the bridge a crossing for rail, automotive and pedestrian traffic is safe for trains and vehicles as long as the clearance and weight restrictions are observed and enforced.

Fedchyshyn said the railway has no plans at present to replace the bridge. She added CN is responsible for maintaining the bridge, but enforcement of restrictions on the road portion is the responsibility of the city.

Thunder Bay's Manager of Engineering, Pat Mauro, will attend the meeting with CN on Wednesday.