Last week, drivers got their Dufferin back.
On April 11, the temporary bridges replacing the old and hastily condemned Dufferin Bridge opened to traffic, allowing vehicles to get to and from Lake Shore Blvd. West and Exhibition Place via Dufferin once again.
These modular bridges, erected at a cost of about $3 million, will stand in for the permanent structures over the GO/Metrolinx tracks and the Gardiner, which are not expected to be completed until 2019.
"The permanent work at this site is a complex project," says Frank Clarizio, director fo capital works delivery for the city. "In addition, the elevation of Dufferin Street will be raised to allow for the extra vertical clearance required for the future electrification of the rail corridor. The schedule for the work will also depend on other major Transportation projects planned for the area."
The design of the new bridge is being worked out now, and its construction schedule set. The cost of the permanent work will be about $20 million.
The old bridge was closed to traffic on June 12, 2013, and to
pedestrians on Oct. 9. The 101-year-old structure was
demolished on Dec. 2.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Frank Calrizio