Who Will Foot The Bill For The Fourth Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation

Who will pay for the rehabilitation of the Fourth Avenue Bridge is yet to be decided with the City still looking at what percentage, if any, the CPR will be responsible for.

That was the question asked at last Wednesday evening’s special meeting of Council and the answer is yet to be defined.

“I think that obviously the details of that will be flushed out over the next year when we have the consulting expertise both from an engineering and a legal perspective engaged in those negotiations. I believe what I can say with some degree of confidence its only a portion of that bridge that they (CPR) are responsible for,” city engineer Josh Mickelborough said.

City manager Jim Puffalt thanked Councillor Brian Swanson for bringing the issue forward and the fact the CPR did pay a significant portion of the previous rehabilitation.

The Fourth Avenue Bridge is set to be evaluated and a determination made as to what work is necessary to rehabilitate the structure.

The last time the Fourth Avenue Bridge was closed for rehabilitation work it had a major impact on South Hill businesses. In response the Eagles Club and the affected businesses started South of the Bridge (SOB) Days which at the time was a highly popular four day street fair and community party in an effort to bring shoppers back to the area.

The Fourth Avenue Bridge was not the only bridge mentioned at budget discussions with the Coteau Street Bridge demolition or conversion also a topic based upon the City’s inability to afford the work.