THUNDER BAY — Motorists using Highway 61 near the CN Railway overpass can expect a few weeks of inconvenience.
The underside of the bridge was discovered damaged on Monday after it was struck by an over-height vehicle.
The Ministry of Transportation says drivers should anticipate periodic delays as emergency single-lane construction work continues for an extended period.
There will also be occasional short-term full closures of the two-lane highway during inspections and repairs.
An MTO spokesperson says the public will be advised when full closures are scheduled.
Temporary traffic signals have been installed in flashing mode at the Walsh Street and Broadway Avenue intersections with Highway 61.
Flagging operations are also in place near the overpass itself.
Until repairs are completed, the railway track on the overpass remains shut down, but an adjacent track is still open.
Ontario Provincial Police continue their investigation into the collision.
They are hoping to hear from any member of the public who may have information or video.
The traffic disruptions further inconvenience motorists travelling the highway between the city and Fort William First Nation.
Since the James Street swing bridge fire in 2013, the highway has been the only driving route between the two communities.
A spokesperson for CN said Wednesday that the railway still plans to reopen the bridge to vehicular traffic in the near future, but he said he was unable to confirm a date.
