Feds announce repair work on Rapides bridge, intermittent closures coming in summer

Feds announce repair work on Rapides bridge, intermittent closures coming in summer

Earlier this month, the federal government announced an investment of more than $1.2 million for repairs and upgrades to the interprovincial bridge between the far-flung municipality of Rapides-des-Joachims and Rolphton Ont. The crossing over the Ottawa River is the sole access point for the small island community, and construction is expected to begin on May 27 and last until August 10.

During construction, there will be intermittent closures on the single-lane structure: from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the bridge will be closed in 15 minute intervals, followed by 5 minute openings. Between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., the bridge will be closed in 55 minute intervals with 5 minute openings. The statement notes that pedestrian access to the bridge will be maintained at all times, and it will reopen in the event of an emergency.

Rapides Director General Alana Bowes said that the bridge is extremely important to the community, which has roughly 150 year-round residents, many of whom work outside of town. It also gets large amounts of traffic in the summer months from anglers and cottagers, as it is the primary access point to ZEC Dumoine.

“Through this contract, Groupe Lapalme will repair and replace various parts of the bridge, and upgrade it to meet the latest standards,” the statement reads. “This work includes replacing bridge guide rails and traffic signs, as well as the masonry ballast wall, repairing deteriorated concrete, and stabilizing and protecting the slope on the Ontario side.”