Photo of existing conditions of Quinte Skyway Bridge provided in public information documents.
Plans to repair a major link connecting Prince Edward County and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory take another important step forward Thursday,
In April, residents and municipal officials agreed to a five-year timeline for the Quinte Skyway Bridge rebuild that is estimated to cost $76 million. Both municipalities signed off on the plan that will have the lowest impact on emergency services and minimal traffic delays due to short construction zones with one lane open and traffic lights.
Now in the design phase, Ministry of Transportation spokeswoman Brandi Duhaime explained they have completed a Transportation Environmental Study Report for the bridge and it will be available for public review and comment Thursday August 10.
The 83-page report available for public consumption studied existing terrestrial ecosystems, wildlife habitats, species at risk and transportation impacts. According to the report, field surveys were completed on July 11, 2011, June 18, 2012, August 30, 2016 and June 20, 2017.
“In addition to background information and field surveys, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte were consulted in order to obtain traditional knowledge on the ecological function and traditional values provided by the study area,” wrote the author of the report Mike Bricks, MCIP, RPP, Morrison Hershfield Senior Environmental Planner.
The public review period ends September 25.
