The Quinte Skyway Bridge connecting Prince Edward County to the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory along Highway 49. (Photo: Michael J. Brethour)
A final decision on what approach the Ministry of Transportation will take when it comes to reconstructing a major artery connecting Prince Edward County to the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory along Highway 49 could be known within the next 24 hours.
The MTO is wrapping up its final public consultation on the Quinte Skyway Bridge Wednesday evening on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Tuesday night, about 20 people gathered in Picton to hear plans on the preferred option to reconstruct the 50-year-old Skyway Bridge. It includes a $76 million rebuild that will take five years and it promised to have minimal traffic delays. Around the same time County council voted to receive a report from the Ministry of Transportation on the plan.
In the plan called 3.c, the 50-year-old concrete piers will remain as MTO spokesman Glenn Higgins said they are still in ‘good shape,’ but the entire bridge deck will be replaced in stages. This would allow for short traffic delays and no out of way travel. It is also touted as having the lowest impact to emergency services.
Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff has long said he prefers a new bridge be built adjacent to the existing bridge to prevent any traffic disruptions. He said at this time it looks like the 3.c option is the most suitable to the MTO and the municipality will respect the decision that is made.
Higgins said it’s not a done deal yet, he still needs to hear from residents on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory tonight to make sure everyone agrees they’re on the right track.
Tonight’s meeting is at the Tyendinaga Community Centre from 5 to 8 p.m.
For more details on the reconstruction click here.
