THUNDER BAY – A proposed bridge spanning the Neebing/McIntyre Floodway to connect the Vickers and Carrick streets could be in jeopardy at its current location.
City staff on Monday informed city council that during the detailed design phase portion of the project it was discovered there could be significant risk to one of the city’s main trunk sewers should piles be driven to build the bridge.
Because of soft soils in the area of the bridge, the span’s abutments would have to be anchored deep foundations to bedrock, which would result in significant vibrations that could cause the sanitary trunk to fail.
Should it fail, it could lead to expensive repairs and extended service impacts.
To mitigate the threat, an administrative report suggests extending the construction schedule over two years, with foundation installation as a separate contract to be completed in the first year to minimize the risk to the sewer, while requiring monitoring and possible reinforcement of the trunk sewer.
The superstructure installation of the bridge would occur the following construction season.
This could add significant costs to the proposed $1.6-million project. Those added costs are not yet known.
The news did not sit well with many members of council, including Northwood Coun. Shelby Ch’ng.
“I can’t say I’m entirely pleased with the way this is unfolding,” Ch’ng said.
Other options are being considered and will be part of a report brought back to council in February.
Dixon was asked about the possibility of a floating bridge.
“A floating bridge is something we batted around as an idea,” said Kayla Dixon, the city’s director of engineering.
“It would be seasonal. It’s something council must understand. It would not be available year round.”
At-large Coun. Mark Bentz questioned whether another location might be better, noting there already are plenty of north-south corridors available for pedestrian and cycling traffic in the city.
“I just want to make sure that other options are being covered off here,” Bentz said.
They are being considered, Dixon replied, but added it does seem to make sense to connect Vickers and Carrick at the present location.
The city’s engineering department will assess mitigation measures and other types of structures that if installed might reduce the impact on the sanitary sewer in order to allow construction to be completed in 2020.
