By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – The south span of the Seaway International Bridge will be closed to traffic for up to 48 hours for repairs.
During a routine inspection at about 8:15 a.m. Friday morning, engineers discovered the south tower’s east expansion joint had experienced a shift in alignment.
“The bridge was immediately closed to traffic to allow for a proper engineering assessment,” said Seaway International Bridge Corporation spokesman Andre Girard.
“Upon further investigation and engineering review, it was determined that remedial work was necessary to maintain the integrity of the crossing’s unblemished record.”
The temporary closure of the South Channel Bridge between Cornwall Island and Massena (N.Y.) has no impact on traffic across the North Channel Bridge between the City of Cornwall and Cornwall Island.
Emergency vehicles are still permitted to cross in a controlled manner.
Girard said the repairs are: “nothing unusual, in Montreal we used to have them up to five times a month.”
Since traffic to the New York port of entry has been halted, the Canada Border Services Agency is urging travellers to use the Prescott POE.
