The interim report into certain concrete girders installed on the Rt Hon Herb Gray Parkway is now due for completion by the end of this month.
Extra time has been given for the reviewers to expand their study to examine additional girders of the parkway that require further evaluation. “We want to have full confidence in the safety of the parkway and a full and complete report by the expert panel,” said minister of transportation and infrastructure Glen Murray.
The review initially focused on the use of a number of concrete girders installed in tunnels that are still under construction but North Talbot Road Bridge has now been closed to traffic based on information already found during the review process. It will remain closed to traffic during the rest of the review, though travelling under the structure is safe as the girders in question are self-supporting with no load.
The reviewers are assessing the safety, durability, quality and performance of girders containing tack-welded steel. Part of the review will involve assessing the girders' compliance with any applicable act, code or regulation.
Girders will be removed if their safety and durability cannot be assured and compliance concerns cannot be addressed.
The 11km Rt Hon Herb Gray Parkway - formerly the Windsor-Essex Parkway - is a US$1.3 billion highway infrastructure project under construction in the municipalities of Windsor, LaSalle, and Tecumseh, in Ontario, Canada.
