After a near five-month closure, University Drive Bridge is getting the green light to reopen this spring again to buses and cars, university officials announced today.
“We are on schedule to have the bridge reopen to vehicular traffic on March 1,” said Elizabeth Krische, Associate Vice-President (Facilities Management).
The bridge closed suddenly on Oct. 18 so that bearings on the 95-year-old structure could be replaced, based on a structural engineering firm’s inspection. Engineers said the bearings had seized and recommended the sudden closure for repairs.
Work to repair the bridge started this week.
During this last construction phase, and until the bridge officially reopens, the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists with some restrictions.
“Pedestrians can continue to use the walkways on the bridge deck and cyclist will have access to a section of the roadway,” Krische said. “But construction equipment and supplies will take up most of the roadway west of the bridge.”
The university will continue to work closely with the City of London, London Transit Commission, London Health Sciences Centre (University Hospital), emergency services and others to communicate the bridge reopening.