The Blackfriars Bridge above the Thames River in London, Ontario was re-opened to the public on December 1, 2018. The bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic since 2013 due to structural deterioration. The iconic 65 m long 142 year-old wrought-iron structure, connects Ridout Street North to Blackfriars Street and is the longest working span of that kind in North America. The bridge was removed from its place in November 2017 and restored off-site.
Dillon has worked with the City of London regarding the Blackfriars Bridge for many years, completing an Environmental Assessment in 2015 to evaluate alternative solutions for the future use of the bridge. Recognizing its heritage value and the value to the community, the preferred alternative includes a one-way eastbound vehicle lane with a westbound cycling lane and sidewalk. Dillon completed the detailed design in 2017 and provided tendering services for the bridge rehabilitation and approach modifications at Ridout Street and Thames Valley Parkway.
In the news:
- World's Longest Bowstring Arch Bridge Reopens to Traffic, The Bridgehunter's Chronicles, December 3
- Reopening of the Blackfriars Bridge, Infrastructure Canada, December 3
- London's historic Blackfriars Bridge official reopens, Global News, December 1
- Blackfriars Bridge reopens, Blackburn News, December 1
- Blackfriars Bridge reopens after $8.6 million makeover, CBC, December 1
- Blackfriars Bridge opens again after extensive rehabilitation work, CTV News, December 1
- Blackfriars Bridge set to reopen in a grand way, The London Free Press, November 30