THUNDER BAY — Residents on both sides of the James Street swing bridge, people who cross daily to work, and business owners on Fort William First Nation are anxious to see repairs completed to the bridge surface.
The narrowness of the lanes makes driving across the bridge over the Kam River challenging at the best of times.
This year, potholes that developed in the pavement have made the exercise even more difficult for motorists.
Relief is on the way, as CN Rail has made arrangements to patch the roadway.
That can't come soon enough for Wally Bannon of J & W Gas Bar.
He calls the bridge "a cow trail."
Bannon says customers are constantly complaining about the potholes.
"It should never be allowed to be in that condition," he said, adding that it's in such poor shape that it's causing visitors with trailers and campers to detour to Highway 61 and Chippewa Road.
CN had hoped to start repairs last week, but they were delayed due to rain.
The work is now scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
In a brief statement, the railway said "generally, roads that experience a high volume of vehicles that are overweight result in the need for more frequent repairs compared to lesser-used bridges and crossings. CN Would like to apologize for any inconvenience experienced by local commuters while these repairs are underway."
But Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins hopes CN comes to understand the necessity of maintaining the crossing on a regular basis so it remains safe for everyone.
"It's so important, not only for us but for CN itself, so the cost of repairs doesn't become an issue," Collins said.
He noted that City of Thunder Bay fire trucks and Superior North EMS ambulances are still unable to use the bridge.
The link between the First Nation and Thunder Bay reopened in late 2019, six years after it was closed due to a fire.
A lengthy battle between CN and the city ended when courts upheld a 1906 agreement that required the railway to maintain the bridge in perpetuity.
