I would like to provide residents with an update on the construction of the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge.  I am pleased that progress continued to be made over the course of the winter months, in sometimes difficult weather conditions.

Some of the work that is currently ongoing and was recently completed includes:

·    Completion of the concrete deck (used for construction traffic only);
·    Barrier walls are complete to the extent that they can prior to the placement of the expansion joints;
·    All deck formwork has been removed;
·    All underground piping/duct-work on the road approaches is complete, including Hydro, storm sewer, lighting, Rogers and Bell;
·    Road approaches are being prepared for final paving in the spring/summer;
·    Installation of bridge lighting;
·    Ongoing shoreline restoration, railing installation, and sidewalk formwork.

During the spring and summer months the following work items will be completed:

·    Completion of the deck sidewalks;
·    Railing installation;
·    Completion of the road approaches (granular base, asphalt paving, curb, sidewalk, guiderail, waterproofing);
·    Final painting of some areas of the arch structure;
·    Completion of the barrier walls;
·    Commissioning of street lighting and traffic signals.

I have also been in contact with OC Transpo officials to ensure the coordination of transit services is ongoing as we prepare the opening of the bridge toward September service changes and day one opening.  The completion of the bridge will help provide major service improvements for residents on both sides of the bridge and open transit opportunities through new rapid transit links.

City engineers continue to work very closely with the contractor to ensure all opportunities to accelerate the work continue to be explored. 

I look forward to the completion of the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge project.

The planned completion date for the bridge remains September 2014.