Article content
A popular pedestrian bridge across the Ottawa River will again be closed for the winter.
A memo to Ottawa council from city staff said the Chief William Commanda Bridge “will be closed for public use once winter weather conditions make the bridge unsafe,” though the exact closing date has not yet been determined.
The bridge opened during the summer of 2023, giving pedestrians and cyclists scenic views and a connection to pathways through Gatineau and Ottawa.
Article content
“As noted in the memo to council last November, the original railway bridge’s steel structure and timber plank surface does not allow for safe plowing, salting or grit operations,” Tuesday’s memo read. “While staff have explored alternative de-icing products, none have been found to be suitable for the type of structure or the location of the bridge within the source water protection zone.”
The memo noted the bridge could be used during winter once snow fell and was groomed for snow sports, such as cross-country skiing. But last winter produced below-average snowfall and above-normal temperatures, and very little snow accumulated on the bridge, so the city couldn’t assess its suitability for this “alternate winter maintenance.”
This year, weather permitting, staff will “continue to monitor deck conditions and explore the potential for winter use in future winter seasons, which will be communicated with city council and the public, including the groomers of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail,” the memo read.
“To ensure the safety of residents, a new gate will be installed to prevent access to the bridge when it is closed, as well as signage identifying the closure. City staff will monitor weather patterns and will use the gate to open and/or close the bridge during the spring and fall seasons, as required.”
Last winter the bridge was closed off in late November, and public access was restored in late March.
Share this article in your social network