Municipal officials are urging drivers to respect barricades set up on the Fifth Street bridge in Chatham following an incident this week.
Construction work on the bridge started Monday, prompting a closure which is expected to last until May 13. During this time, the bridge is closed to traffic but is open to pedestrians (only on one side). Barricades have been set up for safety reasons, while work is being done. However, one driver took it upon themselves to open the barricades and drive across the bridge on Tuesday.
Chris Thibert, director of engineering and transportation, said that move put several people -- including the driver -- at risk.
To make matters worse, construction equipment has once against been stolen from the bridge's worksite. This comes roughly one week after vandals cut electrical wires and damaged ductwork under the bridge.
As stated in a release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the continued thefts and vandalism incidents at the Fifth Street bridge only cause more delays for the project.
Anyone with information regarding the recent incidents is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police.