City seeks public input on Forks Road Bridge
Welland residents can share ideas and ask questions of engineering staff about the future of Forks Road Bridge on a dedicated web page on the city’s YourChannel site.
“The Forks Road Bridge project is an important conversation,” said Chris Anders, manager of engineering services, in a release from the city.
“We look forward to hearing ideas generated and encourage public engagement.”
The page - yourchannel.welland.ca/forks-road-bridge – was launched after a public meeting Tuesday at city hall where more than 100 residents came out to hear about the bridge.
The bridge was closed to vehicle traffic on Nov. 2 after inspections carried out earlier this year showed corrosion of the structure was taking place at a rate quicker than expected.
Pedestrians will lose access to the bridge before Christmas as city staff expressed concern over the weight of snow on the structure over the winter months. Since the bridge is closed, there will be no snow plowing carried out.
If the city decides to replace the bridge it could cost anywhere upwards of $13 million depending on whether the current piers are able to be used in conjunction with a new structure.
The city said it’s encouraging everyone to visit the Forks Road Bridge page to learn more about the project, ask staff questions, and share ideas.