One last chance to cross Cornwall’s old bridge
Those wanting to walk in the heels of history can take one final crossing Tuesday afternoon on the North Channel Bridge over the St. Lawrence River.
On July 8, the pedestrian-only event will showcase historical pictures along the 1,625-metre concrete roadway, set to be demolished starting later this month.
The 52-year-old bridge connecting Cornwall with Cornwall Island was decommissioned last January, when the new low-level bridge opened.
The event is organized by the Seaway International Bridge Corp. and the Federal Bridge Corp., which awarded the $15-million demolition contract to American Bridge Canada in late May. It was the lowest of four bidders.
The project includes removal of the bridge deck, steel superstructure and some, but not all, concrete piers. The company estimates it will complete demolition by the end of June 2016.
It’s the third of four phases in the $75-million federally-funded project, announced in 2010.
Guests at the event, slated for 2 until 8 p.m., can expect a brief com- mentary on the history of the old bridge and the replacement structure. A rain date is set for July 9, between 2 and 8.
The new North Channel Bridge is part of the Seaway International Bridge, which is an international toll bridge system connecting Cornwall and Massena, N.Y., through it and the South Channel Bridge on the U.S. side of Cornwall Island.