Popular Fredericton walking bridge faces extensive renovations

The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge will have to close for extensive repairs in the next two or three years, according to a Fredericton engineer.

"The bridge is in need of some significant repairs," said GregMcCann, a project engineer with the city.

The79-year-old bridgeconnectsthe south and north sides of the city and is one of the Fredericton's most iconic scenes.

According to a report last year, work is necessary on several parts the bridge, including the decking.

"The full decking of the bridge is in need of a full rebuild due to the old railway ties that are underneath the current decking. They are rotting away," said McCann.

The City of Fredericton budgeted $600,000 for the reconstruction of the bridge, according to Dylan Gamble, the city's director of engineering.

City officials have applied for funding from other levels of governmentto help cover the reconstruction costs and they are waiting to hear back on those requests.

Last week, a loose railing was discoveredon one of the lookout platforms of the bridge so they were all closed.

Inspections will be carried out on the bridge this week but, for the moment, the remainder of the bridge remains open.

No specific date for extensive renovations can be set until the total budgetfor the workings is known.