City of Brandon releases plan to demolish 8th St Bridge

City of Brandon Release

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Development Services Division wishes to inform the public that demolition will soon begin on the decommissioned 8th Street Bridge structure. As such, all public access to the bridge WILL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED as of the morning of Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017.

The demolition project’s contractor has confirmed site work will begin on Tuesday, May 23rd and will include the staging of equipment, preparation of temporary structures and the securing of all access points leading to the bridge structure. This will also include closing Assiniboine Avenue and the lane north of Assiniboine Avenue between 8th Street North and 9th Street North for the duration of the demolition project. It is anticipated that the physical work of dismantling the bridge will begin on Monday, May 29th.

Pedestrians or bicyclists currently use the bridge structure to travel to and from the downtown area are encouraged to begin using alternate routes of travel PRIOR TO Tuesday, May 23rd to avoid risk to personal safety or potential apprehension for trespassing. Individuals found to be accessing the bridge structure or any of its secured areas after Tuesday, May 23rd will be charged with trespassing, which carries a fine and possible prosecution.

In addition, officials with Canadian Pacific Railway will be patrolling the areas along Pacific Avenue and Stickney Avenue to ensure pedestrians are not unlawfully crossing its track system anywhere other than at established access points.

At this time, it is NOT anticipated that residents or businesses near the demolition site will need to vacate their property at any point during the demolition process. The City of Brandon and the project contractor will also be working with Canadian Pacific Railway officials to ensure minimal impact to railway operations for the duration of the project. The public will be notified of any other short-term road closures that may be required during the project.

Regular Brandon Transit service via Route #5 (Assiniboine) will remain status quo for the duration of the demolition process. All questions or concerns regarding Brandon Transit service in the immediate vicinity of the 8th Street Bridge should be directed to Brandon Transit by calling 204-729-2300 or by visiting www.brandontransit.ca.

Information relating to the status of public consultations regarding the options for a future active transportation/pedestrian corridor in the area can be found on the City of Brandon website at http://www.brandon.ca/what-is-happening-in-your-neighbourhood/active-projects/1263-bridge.

The City of Brandon asks all members of the public for their patience and cooperation through this complex demolition process, which is scheduled to continue through to October 2017. For more information about the 8th Street Bridge demolition project, contact the City of Brandon Engineering Department at 204-729-2214.