THUNDER BAY -- CN Rail has offered up new details into a proposed offer that could lead to the re-opening of the James Street Swing Bridge.
The information comes via a news release issued by CN vice-president Olivier Chouk Thursday afternoon.
Chouk confirmed the rail company is now offering to share the rail deck with vehicular traffic for the long-term.
Chouk says this would require a significant investment in the bridge, but indicates neither the City of Thunder Bay nor the Fort William First Nation would be asked to share in any of the costs.
However, it appears that in return for the repairs, CN is looking to get out from under the constraints of their 1906 agreement to maintain the span in perpetuity. Chouk says that agreement does not contemplate shared access and will need to be replaced with a new, modern-day agreement.
Word of the CN proposal was leaked earlier this week. it's been reported that, if accepted, the bridge could be re-opened before Christmas.
(TBT News)
