PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY – Quinte area residents are jumping at the chance to share their thoughts on what to do with the aging Quinte Skyway Bridge.

The 49-year-old bridge, located on Highway 49, is suffering from major deterioration and is in need of renovations.

On Wednesday evening, a public information session was held at the Prince Edward Community Centre in Picton.

Dozens came out to learn about the various constructive alternatives, provide feedback and to speak with representatives overseeing the project.

Glenn Higgins, project manager from the Ministry of Transportation, said he first brought forward multiple suggestions to Council on how to fix the bridge back in July.

“We’ve got what we think are the top five solutions to take forward,” he said. “So please tell us how these different solutions work or don’t work for you.”

Higgins noted that the importance of having a public information session was to help his team further understand the concerns or suggestions from those directly impacted by the bridge.

“With this information, we will be able to come back later on in the fall, after having done analysis,” said Higgins. “Hopefully there is a solution that floats to the top that seems to satisfy the most needs.”

The bridge also serves as one of the main links for people to get between the County and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

Some of the suggestions included having the bridge closed to traffic in both directions.

The downfall of this plan highlighted were that motorists would be required to take a full detour via Norris Whitney Bridge (Belleville) during bridge construction for at a minimum of two years.  

“That wouldn’t be acceptable to us,” said Warren Cox.

The County local said he and his wife, Irene Harris, have lived near the foot of the bridge since 1986.

They said that closing it completely and having to take detours would significantly increase the time spent travelling each day.

But if there’s one thing that is evident for sure, it is that the bridge needs to be repaired regardless of what construction alternative is chosen.

“We’ve watched it crumble over the years,” said Harris. “The bridge is really deteriorated and really needs repairs so we’re really happy to see that this is happening.”

Another option involved a partial closure of the bridge during construction. Northbound traffic would be detoured via Norris Whitney Bridge while the traffic would remain open for all southbound traffic.

Higgins noted that the public seemed to be gravitating towards the idea of at least keeping one lane open during construction that would either allow single or bi-directional traffic.

“It’s understandable,” he said. “But cost aside, you’re looking at twice the construction schedule. You’re looking at 3-4 years of slightly reduced service.”

But Higgins explained that these risks or factors are the exact reason he wanted to have the chance to speak with the public and to get their feedback.

Rick Green and his wife were also at the public information meeting and they said they wanted to learn more about the different alternatives.

But for the Sophiasburgh local, he said that finding a way to address the aging bridge while not interrupting local traffic was crucial. 

“Myself, I’d build a new bridge and when the new bridge is completed, I would tear down the old bridge,” said Green. “Until such time, I would use that old bridge as it is now.”   

Another information session will be held Thursday, September 18 at the Mohawk Community Centre in Tyendinaga from 5-8 pm.