New Manitoulin swing bridge nowhere in sight

Playing null of undefined

Little Current Swing Bridge replacement still lacks timeline

Time-lapse of Little Current Swing Bridge

Ont. takes next step to replace Manitoulin bridge

New swing bridge for Manitoulin Island

Deciding the fate of the Little Current swing bridge

The Little Current Swing Bridge that connects Manitoulin Island to the mainland via Highway 6 is more than 110 years old and has been waiting years to be replaced.

The province committed to replacing the bridge in September 2023, but the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands mayor said the last time he spoke with representatives from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), he was told the process is still unfolding.

“They are looking at getting detailed design proposals, etc.,” Mayor Al MacNevin said.

“They’ve completed all the other steps and the treasury board approved the funding, but we still don’t know when they’re going to do it.”

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MTO officials said procurement for the construction manager general contractor (CMGC) service provider is underway.

“We anticipate awarding the assignment to a service provider before the end of this year and design activities will follow,” said Julia Caslin, a MTO spokesperson.

From breakdowns to repairs, MacNevin said motorists have had to sometimes wait unexpectedly to cross the one-lane structure.

“It’s always disheartening when you see traffic backing up through town because the bridge needs repairs or boats can’t get through because it won’t swing,” he said.

“Summer is coming up and it’s always an adventure.”

The mayor added they don’t have a definite answer or timeline on the work.

“We’re hoping to see them start hammering away at the new bridge really quickly,” MacNevin said.

Meanwhile, Caslin said the ministry has identified the need for a support guide system to improve the bridge’s swing function.

“The ministry has begun repairs to the steel deck plates/driving surface of the bridge to maintain the driving surface for vehicular traffic crossing the bridge,” she said.

“Both projects are underway and updates will be provided as the project progresses.”

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With U.S. tariffs, MacNevin said he feels as though the work might not be top of mind for senior officials, but he remains hopeful that they are trudging away.

In 2021, the MTO released an engineering study which favoured a two-lane swing bridge to be built right beside the existing structure.

Out of 10 options that included a tunnel, drawbridge and car ferry, the current plan scored the highest at 74 per cent.

As for the current bridge, two options are still being considered, take it down and replace it or relocate it for continued or adapted use.