A temporary bridge is expected to open in Port Bruce Monday, providing a much-needed route over Catfish Creek for emergency responders and other drivers in the area.
The town has been missing a crossing there since February 23, 2018, when the Imperial Rd. bridge between Dexter Line and Rush Creek Line collapsed into the water below, with a dump truck stuck about half-way across.
The temporary crossing that is now in place off of Bank St., which will also include a pedestrian lane, will feature just one lane of traffic, controlled by a set of lights on either side.
Elgin County Warden David Marr says he's not aware of any weight restrictions, adding county staff will continue to monitor the bridge to make sure that everything is running smoothly. The long-term plan is to put up a replacement bridge at the same site where the previous span collapsed, but Marr isn't sure how long that will take.
"We're going to have to go through an environmental assessment... plus a design," says Marr. "It's going to take a while."
Marr adds, for now, the temporary bridge should provide a safe, quick crossing for motorists.
"Our paramount concern was for the safety of the [Port Bruce] residents," says Marr. "Now, emergency vehicles can go across and it will be a little more normal."