Intermittent Closure of First Street Bridge Scheduled to Begin July 22

July 19, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – On behalf of the Province of Manitoba and PCL Constructors Canada Inc., the City of Brandon wishes to advise the public that a series of intermittent closures of the First Street Bridge will begin, weather-permitting, on Friday, July 22nd, and run through to Wednesday, July 27th. The closures are necessary to move and position a number of girders as part of the Province of Manitoba’s construction of the first of two new bridge spans to replace the current First Street Bridge structure.

It is anticipated these closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on each of the above scheduled days, though the specific timing is heavily dependant on several factors, including weather and the absence of Canadian Pacific Railway train activity.

During these scheduled interruptions, traffic flow crossing the bridge will first be reduced to a single lane for approximately 1 hour, with alternating northbound and southbound traffic allowed through. This will be followed by a full closure for approximately 20 minutes, after which the bridge will be re-opened and full traffic flow restored. It should be stressed that during any period of full closure, emergency vehicles will be granted access to the bridge should they be required to do so.

Electronic message boards will be in place to the north and south of the First Street Bridge to advise motorists to anticipate traffic delays, while flag people will be in place at the bridge site to help direct traffic. Motorists are greatly encouraged to find alternate routes during this scheduled series of closures.

The City of Brandon, Province of Manitoba, and PCL Constructors Canada Inc. all appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience for the duration of the scheduled bridge closures.