By Tyler Marr

Analysis states Diefenbaker Bridge will last well into the future

Oct 24, 2017 | 12:00 PM

An independent engineering report states the Diefenbaker Bridge will last well into the future with proper maintenance.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure commissioned the inspection of the bridge in November 2016 to analyze the effectiveness of emergency repairs in 2011 and to address the city’s concerns over the long-term viability of the structure, which handles around 24,000 vehicle trips per day.

“[It came back] with some pretty good news as far as we are concerned and I am sure the city would say the same,” Minister David Marit said to the report. “It demonstrates that the bridge is in good condition.”

A keen-eyed canoeist spotted a large crack in 2011, which led to the discovery of the girder failure. This prompted emergency weight restrictions and weeks of repairs.

The latest inspection included a wide range of evaluations including a magnetic particle testing of the repair work done in 2011 and evaluations on traffic loads and overweight vehicle impact and its effects on the bridge’s lifespan.

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Some normal deterioration was found, as is typical in bridge inspections. The report recommends short, medium and long-term repairs in order to extend the service life of the bridge, which opened to the public in 1960.

Marit said the province listened to these recommendations and will work collaboratively with the city on a maintenance strategy.

“If there are restrictions on traffic [due to construction] we might as well be doing other repairs as well,” he said. “It is a bridge and it is like any other bridge, there will be issues that come up. But what we did prove…is that we have found that we have a bridge that is going to last a long time for the City of P.A.”

Mayor Greg Dionne, who has met personally with the minister many times, said he was “very pleased” with the results and with the province for stepping up to inspect the critical piece of infrastructure. He said when the city only has one bridge, “you have to take care of it and make sure it is maintained.”

“I am very pleased it is up to standard and that they are adding other standards and monitoring equipment and it will be inspected on a regular basis,” he said, adding night repairs will take priority in the future as not to disrupt traffic flow during the day.

Despite the positive outcome, Dionne said it will not impede the city’s campaign for a second bridge.

“We are going to continue to work and advocate for a second bridge. It is not just about the maintenance of this bridge, it is about truck routes and dangerous good routes,” he said. “We are going to continue on that lane as well, promoting the second bridge. When they are in the position to make that decision we want to make sure we are there.”

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr