Much-delayed bridge project pushed back again

Residents in some south Ottawa communities say theyre stung by the newest delay of a long-awaited bridge, one that could have been avoided if the company was willing to work through the winter.

The Strandherd-Amrstrong bridge opening has been pushed back a year to September 2014, according to what the bonding company and contractor told the city.

There is a need for more welding work and the delivery of the arches has been delayed, but what area councillor Steve Desroches said also had him upset was the Guarantee Company of North Americas decision to not accelerate work because of costs.

"There is a way, there is just no will because of the financial implications for the bonding company," Desroches said.

"Here we are being held ransom and (they) delay the project by three, four, six months because they don't want to pay the extra costs to work in the winter months," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

Residents stuck with longer commute

The $48 million bridge will eventually cross the Rideau River, linking the expanding communities of Riverside South and Barrhaven.

Thats a delayed convenience some area residents said could cost them.

"I was using it as a way of selling my house because I thought it would better for people to commute," said Barrhaven resident Seena Akhtari.

"They might be working in that area. They'd be saving money on gas and they'd save time on the commute."

"With the traffic now it takes more time, but if we had access to the bridge its going to be much more easier to go to the other side," said Khadija Eladmani.

The city will get compensation of $5,000 a day starting Sept. 1, 2013, until the project is complete.