DTI estimates traffic will be flowing across the span later this month
Traffic could flow on the World’s Longest Covered Bridge later this month, making life more convenient for Hartland residents.
Hartland Mayor Tracey Demerchant confirmed that the bridge will be open this summer, as early as June.
“Hang on folks, it’s coming back,” she told the River Valley Sun.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) has been working on the bridge since last year. Throughout the winter, steel supports had to be put in place. Winter ice conditions threatened those supports, and the bridge was closed to traffic.
While the covered bridge is slated to open soon, that doesn’t mean bridge repairs are complete. Work will continue on the structure until later this year.
“I know a lot of businesses… are anxious to have the bridge open for tourist season”, said Demerchant. “And it looks like that is going to happen. The shingling on the roof looks like it’s nearing completion, and the barrier that’s been put up will be painted shortly,” she said, but stressed that anything can happen, stating safety is the first priority.
“I’ve had some conversations with the Department and they understand the value of this bridge,” added Demerchant. “They know how important it is to us for our tourism and business communities.”
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure confirmed the bridge would soon be open.
“The repair work requiring closure of the Hartland Covered Bridge is nearing completion with the bridge still expected to reopen to vehicle traffic in mid-June,” said Jacob MacDonald, Communications Officer.
“The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure recognizes the impact of construction work to the surrounding community and works to avoid disruption wherever possible when making these necessary repairs,” he added.
Re-tensioning and bolt replacement work has cost approximately $350,000, and repairs to the main span’s roof have cost roughly $900,000.
The closure has been the longest since the bridge opened in 1901.