People in the neighbourhoods around the troubled Airport Parkway pedestrian bridge say they're disappointed a major part of the project needs to be restarted.
Ottawa city council found out Friday the half-completed bridge's main tower will need to be taken down because of problems with its concrete.
The completion date for the $5.3 million project was supposed to be October 2011, then this May, but is unknown once again.
"It's a bit of a disappointment because we were hoping that it would be ready for use sometime by the end of the year," said Darryl Silgardo.
"It seems like such a small project to have something so catastrophic go wrong," said Keith McLennan.
Ottawa's mayor said he's not happy either that the safe link between South Keys and Hunt Club communities will be delayed, but it won't be fixed with taxpayer money.
"I'm disappointed obviously because that's an important connection between two communities," said Jim Watson.
"The contractor has the responsibility to finish the project to the highest standards, the safest standards and there'll be no additional cost to taxpayers."
Residents, many of which lobbied for the bridge for safety reasons, said they weren't as sure the budget will remain the same.
"I don't think it'll be built within the budget, but probably on time because they work pretty fast back there," said Joe Imerti.
Contractor Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd. couldn't be reached for comment.
The problems with the bridge came to light in late March, when dozens of tests revealed poor quality concrete on the tower.
Council will find out more details in the coming weeks after a full written report, including if any other parts of the bridge will have to be torn down and a new timeline.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
