The Civic Works Committee has recommended keeping Blackfriars Bridge closed for at least two more years for an environmental assessment and possible repairs.
The committee heard Monday evening that $770,000 has been spent over last 10 years repairing the wooden deck of the 138-year-old bridge.
The recommendation comes following an engineering report that found extensive corrosion, top arches that are deformed and contain broken rivets and rusted out supports beneath the deck of the bridge.
The cost to repair the bridge has been estimated at up to $2 million, though a final price tag has yet to be determined.
Proponents of the bridge say it is important both historically and economically, carrying up to 5,000 vehicles a day into and out of the downtown core.
The recommendation to keep the bridge closed must still be approved by the full council.
