THUNDER BAY — For the first time in six years, motor vehicle traffic will resume on CN's James Street Swing Bridge on Saturday.
The railway says the bridge will reopen to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in both directions at 10 a.m.
Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro welcomed the announcement, saying it means the city and Fort William First Nation "can now move forward as more connected communities."
The driveable lane width on the bridge remains unchanged at 9.33 feet, but the sidewalk has been widened to accommodate the lost width resulting from the addition of a protection barrier between the roadway and sidewalk.
The speed limit will be maintained at 20 kilometres per hour and the weight restriction is 15,000 kilograms.
Repairs were required after the bridge was damaged by fire on Oct. 29, 2013.
"CN is pleased that the bridge is reopening and that this important road link in Thunder bay is once again accessible to the public," CN vice-president Olivier Chouc said Friday in a statement.
Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins expressed his thanks to the railway for collaborating with his community to reopen the bridge.
"This bridge is an important link with Thunder Bay, and having it reopened is key to economic benefits and access to services," Collins said.
The First Nation will celebrate Saturday's opening with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
The city won a protracted court battle with CN over whether the railway was obligated to reopen the bridge to vehicles.
Thunder Bay City Manager Norm Gale said the city is "delighted, after six long years," to see the process successfully concluded.
Gale said city council had the resolve to ensure the bridge went back into operation because it had the conviction that "it was absolutely proper" that CN reopen it.
Gale also credited "solid legal advice" and strong advice from city administration and engineering staff for "the fruition of a lot of great work."
