LETTER: Overpass needs work

The recent announcement by the City of Thunder Bay that they were going to give the pedestrian overpass over Water Street “a bit of a facelift” prompted me to have a look at it over the weekend. 

I think it needs more serious rehabilitation than a face lift would provide. 

There is alarming evidence of corrosion to the structural components of the overpass itself.  A “face lift” may (temporarily) obliterate the graffiti, but only sandblasting will remove the corrosion from the steel structure. 

I suspect that after sandblasting, there will be insufficient steel left on some members to preserve structural integrity. 

I noted one area where the decking had corroded from underneath, near the east limit of the steel structure, exposing concrete. 

This should prompt any reasonable person to examine the entire structure from below, for similar deterioration of the decking.  The tubular framing also exhibits signs of severe corrosion.

An examination of the underside of the concrete ramp revealed cracks and some signs of rust.  Cracks in concrete allow moisture to enter and lead to the corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the concrete.

It is early enough that I think it is possible to prevent serious damage to the concrete structures.

There was apparently a budget of $350,000 for 2012 through 2014. 

The painting of the overpass in advance of the opening of the park was a complete waste of money. 

You do not need to be an engineer or a consultant to realize painting over rust is a waste of time, paint and money. 

I would strongly suggest any further cosmetic work planned for this year be suspended and the money directed towards preserving the integrity of the concrete structures. 

I would also recommend a competent structural engineer do an inspection of the steel work and recommend a course of action to rehabilitate the overpass, before it is beyond repair. 

I seriously doubt $350,000 or whatever has not been wasted of this amount to date, will be sufficient to cover the cost of rehabilitation.

This is yet another example of the “build it, forget it” mentality that ignores sound preventative maintenance practices, which would save us from these ridiculous renovation projects we constantly face; e.g. the Conservatory, Royal Edward Hotel (wait until that bill comes in!).