Howe bridge effect on Sandwich Town

By Jordan Ferris

The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority Communication Director assures Sandwich residents that bridge construction will have little impact on them.

At the beginning of March the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority and Parson Inc. of Markham, Ont. reached a contract deal. Parson’s responsibility is to assist the WDBA throughout the design, build and monitoring process. Currently official bridge construction is slated to begin later in 2018 after the procurement process. Procurement is where a private sector partner is selected to design, maintain and finance the bridge.

Mark Butler is the director of communications with the WDBA. He said after they announce which partner has won in June it will take some months to sign a contract and gather all the details on costs. Butler also said that this process should not slow down work on the bridge.

“Between the time we announce who the preferred proponent is and when we actually finish the financial discussions, and reach close we expect that the preferred proponent will be able to start work on the actual construction of the bridge,” said Butler. “Around June or July is the period you will see construction of the bridge starting.”

Nathan Tymchuk, works at Strictly Fishing Bait and Tackle shop which is owned by his father and located in Olde Sandwich Town. Tymchuk said he believes the bridge will have a positive impact on people in the long run.

“The bridge will be a good thing, for commuters, good for truck drivers and overall for people crossing,” said Tymchuk.   

Even though official bridge construction will not begin right away, there are still side projects that are being worked on. The week of March 19 involves ongoing construction of a new sanitary pumping station near Chappus Street and earthwork south of Prospects Avenue. Road closures during this time include Sandwich Street from McKee Road to Broadway Street.

Butler said measures will be taken during the coming months to lessen impact on Sandwich residents and there is expected to be no significant impacts on driving through Sandwich Town. He said they have added additional resources to assist Sandwich residents.

“We have built a new premier access road immediately around the plaza,” said Butler. “It is a brand new two-lane road about four and a half kilometres long. It is providing access to local businesses like Hydro One.”

Tymchuk said he has not seen much of an impact from the construction yet and does not see it as much of an issue for their family business. He said they have a lot of regular customers who will not be stopped from coming in.

“The bridge will not affect us that much really,” said Tymchuk. “Guys are going to come here regardless. If they are able to get here, they will get here.”

Butler said the WDBA have been working with the local community as a way to inform them about issues that might arise as a result of the construction. This is to lessen the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods and build a good relationship with the communities.

If people in the community have concerns they can go to WDBridge.com to find latest updates about the bridge, or call and speak to the bridge authority at 519-946-3038.