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The federal and provincial governments are investing a combined $4.1M into the replacement of the Big Creek Bridge project at the Long Point causeway. 

The project includes the removal and replacement of the existing, two-lane bridge with a new 34.1m, two-lane structure that will include two paved shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists. 

“This funding announcement is without a doubt one of the most significant contributions ever made to Norfolk County for one of our most critical pieces of infrastructure,” says Mayor Kristal Chopp. “The challenges associated with reconstructing a bridge through one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse areas, home to a UNESCO designated world biosphere, cannot be understated. Not only is the causeway bridge the only access point linking the mainland to the homes of hundreds of residents, it also welcomes more than a hundred thousand visitors annually to the Long Point Provincial Park.”   

Norfolk County has made emergency repairs to the bridge for three consecutive years in order to keep it safe for use, and while the job has been tendered, the County is waiting for the provincial permits necessary for work to begin. 

“We hope the final approvals can be obtained quickly to keep the project on schedule with construction starting in 2020,” says Interim General Manager of Public Works Jason Godby.

“Given the reduced travel on our roads during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical need to help our local economy ramp up for more normal operations next season, this would really be the time to get construction underway,” says Chopp. “We don’t know how much longer the bridge will remain structurally sound, so we’re anxiously awaiting the ministry’s final approval to begin this work.” 

The project is currently open for public comment and details can be found at https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/construction_notices/long-point-causeway-bridge-over-big-creek/