Winnipeggers rally for new Louise Bridge after century of service

A group of Winnipeggersgathered at the city's Louise Bridge Saturday afternoon to rally support for the bridge's renewal.

The bridge was originally constructed in 1881 for trains to cross the Red River but it was later converted for the use of automobiles and rebuilt in 1910, making the current steel structure 105yearsold.

Jim Maloway is the MLA for Elmwood and was among those donning yellow shirts Saturday that read, "New Louise Bridge."

"Other projects in the city are being elevated over this bridge and we want this bridge to be replaced. The neighbourhood is solidly behind us on this one," Maloway said.

Maloway said the bridge was supposed to be replaced by now and it causes traffic backups.

"It's very difficult when you have an emergency situation where ambulances or police have to get through, to be tied down to a one lane bridge in either direction," he said.