For immediate release: May 10, 2023
QUEEN’S PARK—Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady asked Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney what is still holding up reconstruction of the Argyle Street Bridge. Brady first asked the question last August 31st.
“I rise for the third time since last August to ask about the reconstruction of the Caledonia Argyle Street Bridge,” said Brady. “And I will continue to stand in this house on this issue until reconstruction begins because it’s a matter of safety… Minister, what is the hold up and what is the date reconstruction will begin?”
August 31st 2022, Brady first asked Minister Mulroney about the Argyle Street Bridge delay. The Minister then explained that due diligence was still required. With nothing done by December 7th, Brady for the second time asked about the construction delay believing all due diligence should have been complete. In response, she was told the government considers reconstruction a priority and that the design and engineering of the contract to replace the bridge was indeed complete.
Today, Minister Mulroney stated the bridge remains a priority with plans in place for a new five-span replacement bridge. And yet, the Minister gave no start date and only mentioned that the bridge is being monitored and remains safe for limited use as long as load restrictions are followed. Brady was frustrated by Minister Mulroney’s response.
“This government has had five years to get the job done yet reconstruction is sitting idly…Ministry staff has said that the structure is safe…provided that the load restriction is followed and enforced,” said Brady. “If the bridge is only safe if load restrictions are followed, the travelling public has a right to know, how many infractions have occurred and are occurring on a daily basis…How many fines have been issued since the load restrictions were put in place?”
Minister Mulroney responded with no specific numbers but stated that safety is a priority, and the Ministry has not observed a high rate of offenders.
Again, with only non-committal answers and platitudes from the minister, Brady will continue pressing for a firm reconstruction start date for this long-standing public safety risk.
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/L3QgoLC-vnk