Porcupine River Bridge on Frederick House Lake Rd. was closed on November 22, 2021 following concerns over safety and structural integrity. Since then, the City has been working with Associated Engineering to look at alternatives.
Part of the process will involve public consultation, which is tentatively slated for May. Associated Engineering is currently carrying out an environmental assessment on the area and working with the Ministry of Transportation to provide options and cost estimates.
Residents are now accessing Frederick House Lake Rd. via Hwy. 101 and Carrigan Rd, which has prompted questions from the motoring public on the condition of Carrigan Rd. and safety while turning left from Hwy. 101.
“We have been monitoring the condition of Carrigan Rd. all winter,” says Pat Seguin, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “We have also been in contact with the Ministry of Transportation to request that the Hwy. 101 juncture at Carrigan Rd. be assessed and that additional signage be added.
“Consultation with Associated Engineering continues, but with the amount of snow on the ground, we are just starting to survey the area and come up with recommendations that we can take to the public and council.”
With the onset of spring, the Public Works Dept. has deployed crews and equipment to open culverts along Carrigan Rd. and push back snow banks to drain excess water. There is also planned geotechnical work for Carrigan Rd. this summer. Geotechnical work refers to the evaluation of the current road construction and land to plan and build any future improvements.
“Council’s top priority is public safety,” adds Mayor George Pirie. “Closure of the bridge was warranted. I travel Carrigan Rd. regularly and have spoken to several residents impacted by the current detour. Public consultation will happen. City consultants are working to ascertain the best possible solution.”
A confirmed date for public consultation will be communicated to the public once the environmental assessment is complete.