Pedestrian bridge closure extended after crack found

A crack in a four-year-old, $30-million bridge linking St. Patrick’s Island to the downtown East Village has forced its closure until Sept. 5.

That’s nearly two weeks longer than initially expected after the George C. King Bridge was shut Aug. 17 after someone noticed what they suspected was a crack on the span’s southwest edge.

Following an inspection, it was determined there is a 10- to 15-centimetre crack on a cross-strut connection on that corner of the bridge, a structure with a price tag of $30 million, which included the removal of the previous span.

It’s not what was expected of the bridge opened in 2014, said Susan Veres, spokeswoman for Canada Municipal Land Corp., a city Crown corporation that oversee the development of East Village.

“It’s an anomaly, there’s no other signs of serious wear and tear on the bridge,” she said.

As a safety precaution, the bridge will remain off-limits until a temporary fix, likely to cost $20,000 to $30,000, is complete. “It’s out of an abundance of caution … the bridge wouldn’t fall down,” said Veres. She said the inspection also found paint had chipped, a few minor cracks on the bridge’s deck and a railing requiring tightening.

The cause of the crack appears to have been the result of welding heat during its construction, though that damage didn’t appear until more recently, said Veres.

For now, the CMLC will absorb the costs of the temporary and permanent repair to follow, said Veres.

The firm that built the bridge was Graham Construction, the architect RFR and engineering was provided by Parsons Engineering.

Pedestrians and cyclists can use the Baines Bridge and 12th Street S.E. to access St. Patrick’s Island.