Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) reports the Pierre Delorme Bridge near St. Adolphe has stabilized, allowing department staff to safely move closer to the site to plan for the dismantling of the damaged sections of the structure. Due to the complexity of this process, it is expected to take up to two weeks or more to complete. This will enable crews to safely dismantle the damaged sections of the bridge and mitigate any further damage to the remainder of the structure.
Staff from MIT have developed this process in consultation with engineering firms and contractors. This will involve the use of robotic equipment and controlled charges to separate the damaged portions of the bridge from the remaining section. The plan to dismantle portions of the bridge may change, depending on the bridge’s movement and safety considerations as the work unfolds.
Once the damaged portions of the structure are safely down and removed, work will begin to stabilize the riverbank in the area and assess the integrity of the remaining sections of the bridge.
As soon as that assessment is completed, detailed plans for designing repairs to the bridge will be developed. The department states reopening the bridge is a priority but adds it is still too soon to determine when that will occur.
Concrete barriers remain in place so motorists are not able to access the bridge to ensure public safety both on and under the bridge. Security has also been stationed at this location around the clock. Motorists, boaters and the general public are reminded not to travel on, walk on or boat under the bridge at any time due to significant safety issues.
The bridge was closed on Aug. 21 after maintenance crews noticed an issue with the integrity of the structure. It will remain closed for an indefinite period of time.
