London, Ont. looks to stretch another 50 years out of bridge to the downtown
Time and the elements have taken their toll on the Kensington Bridge that carries cars, bikes, and pedestrians eastbound from Riverside Drive to Dundas Place.
Built in 1930, the heritage structure carries about 9,500 vehicles each day and serves as a vital ink to the core, according to downtown Coun. David Ferreira.
“That’s a lot of people commuting in and out of the downtown, whether it’s for work, or whether it’s to visit,” Ferreira explained.
Ongoing repairs and interim fixes will end when the city finalizes its plan for a long-term solution.
An environmental assessment (EA) has considered four options:
- Do nothing and continue ongoing maintenance
- Build a new bridge on the site of the existing bridge
- Build a new bridge next to the existing bridge
- Undertake an extensive repair and restoration
Rusting components are seen beneath the Kensington Bridge in London, Ont. on Feb. 8, 2023. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)
City engineers recommend the fourth option, an extensive overhaul that will include a two-directional cycle track, new pedestrian railing and two eastbound vehicle lanes.
The design also aims to respect the heritage of the bridge.
A presentation to the Community Advisory Committee on Planning reads, “To address ongoing maintenance issues with the bridge and achieve an additional service life objective of 50 years, complete concrete deck replacement, steel recoating and other major repairs are required.”
First the bridge’s neighbouring span, the westbound Queens Avenue Bridge, must undergo work to prepare for its role in the project.
The proposed design of the Kensington Bridge in London, Ont. after restoration. (Source: City of London)
The city must ensure the Queens Avenue Bridge can handle additional traffic when it serves as a detour route during restoration of the Kensington Bridge.
“That [work] is going to be happening before the Kensington Bridge,” explained Ferreira. “I believe that’s in 2025 or 2026.”
A public information meeting will be held by the city on March 2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.