LONG POINT, ON – MAY 17, 2018 Earlier this week it was determined that a portion of the Long Point Causeway Bridge had suffered structural compromise. The initial engineering advice recommended that traffic speed be reduced to 30km/h, and directed immediate enhanced inspection of the causeway bridge. Norfolk County has now received enhanced Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM) analysis from qualified engineers which indicates that a 16 foot span of the Southbound lane bridge deck (the horizontal portion of the bridge upon which traffic travels) has experienced significant deterioration.
As a result of the structural compromise and the need to reduce speed, the Northbound lane, can safely support up to 11 tonnes of weight. Consequently, vehicles that require higher licence classifications than a “G” or “M” licence are now prohibited from using the bridge structure. Class “G” motor vehicles cannot tow a trailer over the bridge if the combined weight of the two exceeds 11 tonnes of weight. Speed is limited to 30 km/h and there are traffic signals governing alternating use of the open lane.
This will have the unfortunate effect of functionally preventing water haulers, tractor trailers, sewage haulers, garbage trucks, full size school busses and similar vehicles from utilizing the bridge until a medium term solution can be put in place. County staff are working on developing alternative measures for service provision.
The Norfolk Fire Department has stationed three vehicles on Long Point. Norfolk EMS vehicles all weigh less than 11 tonnes and consequently can safely cross the bridge.
Bridge inspections by qualified Professional Engineers continue daily and shall for the foreseeable future.
The Long Point Causeway Bridge was inspected by G. Douglass Vallee Limited of Simcoe, in April, 2018. At that time no immediate structural compromises or deficiencies were found. It is unknown whether the severe weather experienced in the month of April may have contributed to the deterioration of the structure.
Members of the public are asked to respect and comply with the posted load restrictions and speed limits. Drive times entering and leaving Long Point will be increased. The County will provide further updates when it receives technical advice on how to best remedy the structural compromises.
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For further information contact:
Lee Robinson, P.Eng.
General Manager, Public Works
519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, ext. 1100
[email protected]
or
Gary Houghton
Director, Engineering, Public Works
519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, ext. 1600
[email protected]
