Finlay Bridge (file photo).

By Alex McCuaig

Finlay Bridge rehabilitation

City planning rehabilitation of Finlay Bridge

Apr 6, 2020 | 9:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The city is planning on a major rehabilitation project involving the more than century old Finlay Bridge, CHAT News Today has learned.

The rehabilitation project was publicly tendered last month and includes plans to replace the current asphalt deck with concrete, initiating repairs to abutments on each end and replacement of the bridge bearings which connect the bridge to the piers.

Despite city council announcing a media availability via teleconference with the mayor following Monday’s regular meeting due to the public not being allowed to attend, that did not occur.

However, reached Monday evening, Stan Schwartenberger, development and infrastructure commissioner, says the project is still being evaluated as well as other capital projects in the city.

“We’re taking into consideration the need for new modified protocols with our construction projects – social distancing and other related measures and how that might impact the timelines of many of the projects we’re considering for the next construction season,” said Schwartenberger.

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Finlay Bridge last underwent a major rehabilitation in 2009 and over the decades has seen it’s bridge deck transition from wooden planks to concrete to asphalt.

The bridge was designated as a municipal historic resource in 2011 and according to its statement of significance, the bridge deck was first paved with concrete in 1920 after previously being wooden planks.

Based on information from that statement, it appears the bridge deck was converted to asphalt in 1978.