Parks Canada has announced another delay in the reopening of the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge on Parkhill Road East in Peterborough to vehicles and pedestrians.
On July 28, Parks Canada had announced the bridge would reopen on Saturday (August 7), but added “If additional adjustments or modifications are required as a result of the testing, the bridge opening will be delayed until they are completed.”
That’s exactly what happened, according to an email from Parks Canada issued on Friday.
“During commissioning of the swing bridge this week, the fit of key mechanical components on the bridge did not meet specifications,” the email states. “The components have been removed and are being remachined to ensure the proper fit. These components need to be properly in place on the bridge before testing and commissioning can restart to ensure safety.”
Parks Canada states it still expects the bridge to be reopened in August, but once again adds “If additional adjustments or modifications are required as a result of the testing, the bridge reopening will be delayed until they are completed.”
The bridge, originally constructed in 1956, was closed in October 2020 to replace the steel swing bridge structure, to repair the concrete abutments, and to replace mechanical and electrical operating systems. The bridge is now capable of handling full highway loading.
The bridge was originally scheduled to reopen in spring 2021. In May, Parks Canada announced the reopening of the bridge would be delayed until early July and, in July, until early August. During the closure, local traffic has been detoured along alternate routes.
