A progress update photo taken earlier this summer included in the public works report submitted to Lanark County council
Construction on the Blakeney Bridge has been delayed, meaning the work won’t be finished by the end of the year.
The heavy rainfall that’s persisted across the summer is why, as it hasn’t allowed the completion of the in-water work, says Public Works Manager Sean Derouin.
That’s their focus the for the rest of the season to prevent a further delay
In fact, it’s been record-setting rainfall.
The water flow this summer’s peaked at 78 m3/s, when the previous peak was 15, and the average flow this summer is three times higher than the previous record.
Councillor Richard Kidd asked if there’ll be a cost impact as a result of the delay.
“There’s definitely is going to be a cost associated with (having to work) in 2025, but there’s also going to be a cost associated with the delays the contractors have been forced with to deal with to this date, and we are working with them on that currently as well,” Derouin responded.
“We don’t have any dollar values to date, but we’re hoping to get that settled here shortly.”
They’re now targeting a completion date at the end of May 2025.
Story by Grant Deme