Sudden and permanent bridge closure leaves Sanford residents frustrated

People who live and drive in the Sanford area are having to find alternative routes after the province permanently closed a bridge Wednesday.

“It is devastating for our community,” said Brad Erb, the reeve of the RM of Macdonald.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It is devastating for our community," said Brad Erb, the reeve of the RM of Macdonald.

The province closed the bridge over the La Salle River on Road 247 over structural concerns.

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“We were given no notice,” said Erb. “I found out about it at 10:30 a.m. as they were closing it.”

Erb said emergency services, including ambulance staff, we also not told in advance of the closure and will now have to make a detour.

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He estimates the detour will take a few minutes.

A media release said the bridge was built in 1921 and was deteriorating.

“This has been ongoing for 15 years,” said Erb. “I am of the belief they should have made a plan.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This has been ongoing for 15 years," said Erb. "I am of the belief they should have made a plan."

The provincial release said signs and barricades are being put up to reroute traffic.

Erb said the vehicles will now be sent down municipal roads, where the repair costs come from the RM’s budget.