Repairing LaSalle Causeway in Kingston, Ont. to take 8 to 10 weeks: Federal government

The federal government says repairs on the damaged LaSalle Causeway in Kingston, Ont. could take approximately two more months to complete.

Public Services and Procurement Canada said in a statement on Friday that repairs would take an estimated eight to 10 weeks, barring any unforeseen complications.

"The first phase of work, which involves strengthening various elements of the bridge and completing essential contractual work to prepare for the repairs, is currently underway," PSPC said. "Once this work is completed, the second phase will begin. It will focus on repairing the damage to the diagonal steel element and further strengthening the structure. Successful repair work will enable the resumption of pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle and marine traffic."

The bridge, which is owned and operated by the federal government, was damaged during routine construction on March 30. It connects drivers and pedestrians in the east end of Kingston to downtown. Executive director of Kingston Accommodation Partners Krista LeClair says the closure has already had an impact.

"We've seen a decrease in pedestrian traffic downtown by 15 per cent already and it's just going to get worse," LeClair said.

Cruise ship companies who operate in the area have said the closure of the bridge has delayed their ability to launch ships that were on the wrong side of the bridge. The operators had proposed a plan that would involve a one-time temporary removal of a concrete section of the bridge to allow the ships to pass through.

"The time is now. We need PSPC to act," said Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise general manager Eric Ferguson. "This is a navigable waterway. They need to take action. If they determine that there is no option that they are able to take, then they need to replace lost revenues. We need to proect the jobs."

The government said Friday that it is "exploring other options to enable the resumption of pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle and marine traffic."

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson says the bridge is a critical link for the city.

"My message to the federal government is just obviously conveying the urgency of the situation, conveying the impacts that this is having, and then ultimately just really asking for communication," he said.

--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Jack Richardson

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