Project Details:
Location: Frederick House Lake Rd.
Value: $5,074,739
Contractor: Looby Builders Ltd.
Completion: Fall 2024
Status: Awarded
Plans for the replacement of the Porcupine River Bridge on Fredrick House Lake Road were finalized by council on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, with approval of the construction contract awarded to Looby Builders Ltd.
The original reinforced concrete bridge will be replaced with a two-lane concrete and steel structure at an estimated cost of $5,074,739 + HST. The cost was approved as part of the City’s capital budget for 2024.
Porcupine River Bridge replacement was prioritized by Council after safety concerns shut down the bridge in November 2021. Since then, the City has streamlined design work and necessary approvals to award the final construction contract early in the year to facilitate ordering of structural steel and materials.
Contractors will begin to stage the work site on Monday, March 4, 2024. The estimated completion date of construction is November 2024.
Porcupine River Bridge closed to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
Due to safety concerns about structural integrity, the Porcupine River Bridge on Frederick House Lake Rd. is now closed to all traffic including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Getting Around
Those traveling to points east of the bridge can access Frederick House Lake Road via Hwy. 101 and Carrigan Road. Those travelling to points west of the bridge can access via Frederick House Lake Road.
Vehicle operators traveling along Hwy 101 are reminded of increased traffic accessing Carrigan Rd. Be prepared to slow, stop, and do not pass vehicles indicating a left or right-hand turn onto Carrigan Rd.
About the Closure
The City is closing the Porcupine River Bridge at this time due to safety concerns about the bridge's condition. City staff and contract engineers have been completing increased inspections of the bridge since 2016 and a downgrading of the bridge carry capacity has already been put in place. These inspections are done to observe deterioration and determine the need for repairs to maintain safe travel conditions over the bridge.
It was of the opinion of Associated Engineering, as well as City Staff, that further investment in the pre-1930 structure would no longer be feasible nor cost effective.