Downtown Chatham could soon have an upgraded bridge on Fifth St.
Adam Sullo, the director of engineering and transportation for the municipality, says the current bridge could be repaired, but the preferred option is to rebuild the bridge on existing piers and abutments starting this spring.
Sullo says Fifth St. at King St. could be closed for about six months during construction, if the project is approved.
"The current bridge was built in 1930 and has outlived its service life," says Sullo.
He says the proposed new bridge will have the same number of lanes but the sidewalks could be wider.
"It could be slightly wider to accommodate bicycles," says Sullo. "It's not necessarily a dedicated bicycle lane but a wide enough lane for it to be safe for both vehicular and bicycle use."
A public information meeting is set for February 9 at the Civic Centre from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.
The 60-year-old Third St. bridge is being rehabilitated next year.