NLIS 5
June 1, 2000
(Works, Services and Transportation)

Little Falls Bridge to be replaced

Rick Woodford, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, announced that a decision has been made regarding the bridge leading into Sir Richard Squires Park

The department will call tenders immediately for the removal of Little Falls Bridge, a concrete structure built on the Humber River in 1948. A steel bailey bridge will be put in its place.

"The middle pier supporting the bridge has shifted and as a result, has separated from the deck," said Woodford. "For safety reasons, this access has been closed to all traffic and will not be reopened until the new structure is built."

Bridge inspectors have determined that either the pier, or the rock at the base of the pier, has been partially eroded by the force of the water. Because of the danger of the bridge falling into the river, the department, in consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, wants the existing structure removed as soon as possible. The new bridge will be constructed after the old structure is removed and as soon as the design and tendering processes permit.

Temporary access to the park will be via the Kruger woods road, which connects to the old Trans Canada Highway. Plans are now under way to upgrade this road to provide suitable access to the park for this year�s tourist season.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2000 06 01                             3:35 p.m.