Metrolinx has reportedly ruled out the use of temporary bridges to keep traffic flowing across the planned-to-be-demolished Simcoe Street bridge over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway line.
Demolition works are planned to start early in the new year and are likely to take two years. It is part of the GO Train extension from Oshawa, via Courtice to Bowmanville in the Municipality of Clarington.
There has been outcry from the public over the two-year closure.
Following the announcement earlier this month, Metrolinx held a virtual public engagement session on December 10. It said it had to call off a drop-in meet citing anonymous threats.
To Be Replaced With Prefab Bridge
“Metrolinx made it clear last night that Simcoe Street will be closed for two years and they will not consider temporary modular bridges to maintain traffic during construction,” said a retired civil engineer from Bowmanville, who attended the virtual meet.
He said Metrolinx indicated that the majority of the two years will be spent with bridge demolitions and utility relocations in preparation of installing a prefabricated bridge over the CPKC Railway. Laura Adams of Metrolinx stated that they selected a prefabricated bridge to shorten the construction period.
“Hopefully this “outcry” experience in Oshawa has taught Metrolinx that public engagement does not stop at the Environmental Assessment(EA) or EA Addendum stages for their projects; communications during project implementation is essential!” the retired engineering professional told Durham Post.
Durham Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson said this closure is not a requirement but a Metrolinx’s choice. “Full closure could be avoided by the installation of temporary bridges on both sides of the current bridge which would keep traffic moving and still allow for the permanent replacement of the current bridge.”