As the Port Robinson Waterfront Park Project moves ahead, Thorold’s city staff are suggesting that council now approve the permanent closure of the South Main St Bridge in Port Robinson.
The bridge has been closed for vehicular traffic for several years due to its poor condition, however residents in the area have argued that the bridge fills an important recreational role, and that the area is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts.
In an assessment of the area, a engineering firm consulted by the city established that there were a handful of alternatives to continue to replace or maintain the bridge, ranging from rehabilitation to constructing a multi-use pathway along River Street, connecting River Street to South Main Street, but that rehabilitating the aged concrete bridge would pose several engineering challenges.
Staff argued that due to the popularity of the area, and the upcoming construction of a waterfront park, it is important to ensure that the bridge isn’t open.
Following approval in the 2021 budget, council is now expected to award a $52,000 contract to RJ Burnside and Associated Ltd. to complete the preliminary design for the future Port Robinson East Waterfront Park.
In a related staff report, the city also said it will have to use portable washrooms in Port Robinson East park this summer, as the plans to install a complete accessible washroom in the park were thwarted due to only one bid coming in, being well in excess of what the city budgeted for.
