Transport Canada: Ambassador Bridge Railings And Curb Pose Risk To Public Safety
Saturday September 3rd, 2016, 7:14pm
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Transport Canada issued an Emergency Direction to the Canadian Transit Company (CTC), the owner of the Ambassador Bridge on Friday.
The direction concerns safety deficiencies found in a section of the bridge’s railings and curbs on the Canadian side. The deficiencies were observed during a Transport Canada safety inspection in August 2016.
Transport officials say that the deficiencies pose a risk to the public and the department has advised the CTC to install temporary concrete barriers between the traffic on the bridge and the outside curb as a safety precaution.
Transport Canada says they had previously communicated to the CTC its concerns about the railings and curbs.
Transport Canada has informed its border partners in the United States and Canada who are working together to mitigate traffic issues.
The Direction takes effect immediately. Travelers and commercial vehicles are encouraged to plan ahead.
Copy Of The Emergency Direction:
Emergency Direction – Safety – International Bridges and Tunnels – Transport Canada
Whereas I am an officer of the Department of Transport authorized to make any direction that the Minister may make under section 17 of the International Bridges and Tunnels Act;
Whereas the current condition of the concrete curb and railing of the Ambassador Bridge from the abutment of the bridge adjacent to the Canadian customs plaza to the Canadian tower adjacent to the suspended span is such that it would not deflect traffic back onto the bridge should traffic impact such curb and railing;
Whereas I am of the opinion that such condition is an immediate threat to the safety of the Ambassador Bridge;
And whereas I am of the opinion that the measures set out in the annexed emergency direction are appropriate to respond to the threat;
Therefore, pursuant to section 17 of the International Bridges and Tunnels Act, I hereby make the annexed emergency direction.
Dated at Ottawa, Ontario, this 2nd day of September, 2016.
Director General,
Rail SafetyDIRECTION
I hereby direct that the Canadian Transit Company shall cause a temporary concrete barrier to be installed:
- on the Canadian-bound westernmost lane of the Ambassador Bridge from the abutment of the bridge adjacent to the Canadian custom plaza to the Canadian tower adjacent to the suspended span; and
- on the United States-bound easternmost lane of the Ambassador Bridge from the abutment of the bridge adjacent to the Canadians custom plaza to the Canadian tower adjacent to the suspended span.
Duration of Directive
As stated in section 19 of the Act, this direction comes into force immediately but ceases to have force 30 days after it is made, unless it is repealed before the expiry of 30 days.
