Winnipeg continues plowing the closed Arlington Bridge to reduce structural load and facilitate inspections, with plans for demolition and replacement underway.
City Continues to Plow Arlington Bridge Despite Closure
Vehicles have not accessed the Arlington Bridge for two years due to severe structural issues. However, the city continues to plow the bridge.
A spokesperson stated on Thursday that the city plows the bridge to facilitate inspections and reduce weight on the structure.
“We have to keep this weight — also called dead load — down to minimize further deterioration until we are able to decommission the bridge,” the spokesperson said in an email.
Bridge Closure Details
The Arlington Bridge has been closed since November 2023 due to severe structural issues. The city confirmed on Thursday that it still plows the bridge to facilitate inspections and reduce weight on the structure.
The bridge, which opened in 1912, closed suddenly on November 21, 2023, due to structural concerns, raising questions about its future.
Snow Removal Process
On Friday, the city confirmed that workers use a bobcat to clear snow off the main deck and standard sidewalk-clearing equipment for safety purposes.
Snow is completely removed from the bridge and not stockpiled on it, according to spokesman Adam Campbell.
The city inspects the bridge weekly or sooner if there is significant snowfall.
Cost and Replacement Plans
The cost to clear the decaying bridge is not known. All snow-clearing costs are included in the city’s annual snow and ice control budget, Campbell said.
In November 2024, the city released a proposal to replace the bridge at its current location. The cost was estimated at $166 million, with up to $27 million in interest. It would require six years to build.
The council’s executive policy committee approved a $22-million plan last January to demolish the bridge, which is located between Logan and Dufferin avenues, and start designing its replacement.
Councilor Jeff Browaty, council’s finance chairman, stated at the time that the bridge was a critical link between communities and must be demolished to protect the rail lines below it.
Campbell mentioned that the city is developing a decommissioning schedule for the 114-year-old bridge but has yet to finalize it.
Summary of Arlington Bridge Situation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | November 21, 2023 |
| Bridge Age | 114 years |
| Proposed Replacement Cost | $166 million |
| Estimated Interest | Up to $27 million |
| Demolition Plan Cost | $22 million |
| Inspection Frequency | Weekly |
