A key crossing in Kingston is closed to all forms of traffic including pedestrians and cyclists until further notice, after a piece of the bridge was “compromised during construction.”
The LaSalle Causeway opened more than a century ago and connects downtown Kingston with its eastern suburbs. Part of it is a Bascule bridge, which uses a counterweight to let boats through.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) said following an “incident” on that portion of the crossing around 5 p.m. Saturday, the causeway is now completely closed.
“An element of the bridge was compromised during construction,” reads a statement from PSPC. “No one was injured or harmed as a result of this incident.”
Traffic barriers and signs warning of the closure are in place, but a string of vehicles drove past them Tuesday afternoon, only to turn around when they encountered the pylons.
All traffic including emergency vehicles should use the Waaban Crossing instead, according to PSPC.
The causeway opened in 1917 and has recently been undergoing rehabilitation work. The bridge had been limited to one lane in recent weeks and was expected to be closed to vehicles during the past weekend, but now it’s not clear when it will reopen.
“PSPC is working on a solution to stabilize the bridge and repair the damaged element,” reads the statement.
Kingston is bracing for tens of thousands of visitors for the solar eclipse on April 8, and the causeway would be a crucial link on that day for tourists and locals alike.
Asked whether the crossing will reopen in time, a PSPC spokesperson said crews are still working to determine the impact of the incident, but once their assessment is complete they should be able to provide a better sense of when it will be safe to use again.
“The estimated time for repair is currently unknown,” according to the statement. “A complete assessment of the damage to the structure is needed and can only be undertaken once the affected element can be adequately supported.”
PSCP said it will provide updates through its social media accounts.