Nipigon River Bridge construction resumes

Tear downwork on the Nipigon River Bridge is expected to resume tomorrow, Ontario's Transport Ministry says.

With the new cable stayed bridge once again open to two lanes, work on tearing down the old bridge can restart.

That work was placed on hold when bolts snapped, causing the closure of the new bridge on Jan.10.

Thedecomissioning work is expected to last six weeks, weather permitting.

A second cable-stayed bridge will go where the old bridge currently stands.

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Construction of the third tower will continuefor the remainder of this year.

Recent issues that led to last month's bridge failure were not related to the tower design, stated the area's MPP in a news release, adding that residents, local communities and motorists should know that the bridge is safe for use.

"I'd like to thank local residents, communities, motorists and travellers for their patience and understanding while the temporary repairs were installed in order to reopen the bridge totwo lanes of traffic," said MichaelGravelle, Thunder Bay Superior North MPP.

I also look forward to providing a further update once the information on the cause of the bridge failure has been determined."

Testing of the bolts continues at the two independent labs and work is ongoing to determine the cause of the failure.

Ministry of Transportation officials say they are confident that the recent issues with the bridge will not reoccur, Gravelle's news release stated.

"The temporary repairs have been reviewed by an independent engineering firm that have determined the solution to be appropriate and therefore safe."