Details about the work to be performed this summer on the Oliver Bridge continue to slowly trickle out from the authorities involved.  Since the initial word was released that the bridge would see daytime closures again this summer, officials have revised the start date - from April 17 to April 24.

A new release from the CN Railroad added some new information to the cannon:

  • Wording now suggests that this is the "second year and final year" of the major maintenance project.  Previously, officials left the completion date open-ended by calling it a "multi-year project".
  • The 47-foot-long east end of the bridge - Span 1 - will be completely replaced.
  • Workers will remove the steel cross-ties and the steel deck that carries the rail.
  • A new solid-timber deck will be installed to carry the rail.

According to the Douglas County Highway Department, the Oliver Bridge will resume daily road closures on or about Monday, April 24.  Their plans are for the bridge to be closed between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  At this point, authorities are still suggesting that the work and the closures will end at some point in September.

Similar to 2016, this summer will also day deviations from the schedule to accommodate holidays and special events. According to the official release, here are those deviations:

  • May 26:  The bridge will open at 12 Noon for Memorial Day
  • May 29:  The bridge will be open all day long for the Memorial Day holiday
  • June 16:  The bridge will open at 12 Noon for Grandma's Marathon
  • July 3:  The bridge will open at 12 Noon for the July 4th holiday
  • July 4:  The Bridge will be open all day long for the July 4th holiday
  • August 10:  The bridge will open at 12 Noon for the Blues Festival
  • August 11:  The bridge will be open all day long for the Blues Festival
  • September 1:  The bridge will open at 12 Noon for Labor Day
  • September 4:  The bridge will be open all day long for Labor Day
  • September 15: The bridge will open at 12 Noon for the Inline Marathon

 

 

More From KOOL 101.7