THUNDER BAY — Rehabilitation work at the Current River Bridge (Constable John S. Kusznier Memorial Bridge) on Highway 11/17 will force a prolonged closure of part of the City of Thunder Bay's recreational trail system.
The multi-use trail below the bridge will be blocked off on each side starting Monday, and is not expected to reopen until the last week in August.
During the closure, there will be no direct link between the Centennial Park and Trowbridge Park/Trowbridge Forest trails.
In an announcement last week, the city said limited closures may be required in September as well, but the link will be open for the Xterra triathlon at the end of August and the Canadian XCM mountain bike championships the first week of September.
The city said users will still be able to access the Trowbridge Forest trails at either the Trowbridge Falls or Balsam Street trailheads.
The Ministry of Transportation is responsible for the bridge improvements.
According to a spokesperson for the city, the trail under the bridge on the west side will also be upgraded to asphalt in order to reduce the potential for erosion.
While the bridge project is underway, traffic on Highway 11/17 will be reduced to a single lane using temporary control barriers.
The speed limit in the vicinity will also be reduced to 70 km/h, and motorists can expect occasional delays throughout the construction period.
