by Vanessa StarkThe James A. Gifford Causeway construction is underway and there may be additional changes coming to the area.
At the Selwyn Township council meeting on Tuesday night, BTE Engineering gave a presentation updating councillors of new recommendations for the causeway project including plans to construct a multi-use path along the causeway.
During the presentation at Selwyn council, it was stated that funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) has been obtained by the County to fund three projects:
1. County Road 14 (Yankee Line) Rehabilitation
2. James A. Gifford Causeway Rehabilitation
3. Chemong Bridge Rehabilitation
The Causeway project is being paid for in part by the ICIP, Peterborough County, and the Township of Selwyn.
BTE Engineering gave a final presentation to County Council on Wednesday, after press time for the Herald.
Steve Taylor of BTE Engineering said during the presentation at Selwyn council that the tender for the Yankee Line project is closed and construction will be commencing soon for that project.
He also mentioned that the Chemong Bridge is in need of immediate rehabilitation. The bridge was set to have work done on it at a later time, however Taylor said that erosion on portions under the bridge were in need of immediate attention. They are recommending the timeline be moved up for this project to this year.
The main topic of conversation at council revolved around the installation of a multi-use path along the causeway that would lead into the urban centre of Bridgenorth, as well as extend out to Rotary Park.
This recommendation differs from the original plan of just installing a sidewalk. The multi-use path would allow for cyclists and pedestrians to travel the length of the causeway, separated from the main road and protected from the water by barriers. Both the main road and the path would have ample lighting.
This path, rather than simply a sidewalk, would allow for the use of the widened and rehabilitated Chemong Bridge and safer travel for cyclists and pedestrians.
Coun. Gerry Herron asked presenters, “The idea of a pedestrian walkway is well overdue and I think it’s great, however, with the past issue of no trespassing and fishing, what are your thoughts and what are your plans, now that we have created a smooth surface for people to fish off the causeway.”
Peter Nielson, also with BTE Engineering spoke to this issue stating, “A barrier will be placed between vehicles and the multi-use path but also barriers will be put up between the path and the edge of the water to physically block access.”
Nielson also mentioned that the clean marine program enforces no trespassing in the area and with cooperation with County Council more enforcement can be placed on deterring trespassing and fishing in the area.
The presentation was received for information.More information on the James A Gifford causeway project can be found at ptbocounty.ca.
