Strandherd-Armstrong bridge contractor in receivership

The contractor building the Strandherd-Armstrong bridge in south Ottawa has gone into receivership with the bridge only 60 per cent complete, the city announced Tuesday.

The bridge, which is to span the Rideau River connecting Strandherd Drive in Barrhaven to Earl Armstrong Road in Riverside South, was originally slated to be completed in the spring of this year.

But Gloucester South Nepean councillor Steve Desroches said under the latest timetable the project was to be completed in late 2012. He said the time frame for completion of the project is now uncertain.

Work still ongoing, councillor says

Desroches saidin a statementon his website he was disappointed to learn the news but said he was pleased work was continuing.

The city said it holds a performance bond of about $23 million to ensure the completion of the project.

"I will be pressing officials to meet with them to push this forward," said Desroches.

The project also received funding from the federal government's Build Canada Fund, as well as from the Government of Ontario.

Area MP Pierre Poilievre, who had championed the project, also issued a statement saying he was disappointed.

"However, I am determined to see the project completed in a timely manner," he said.

"The Harper government will continue to work in cooperation with our partners in the City of Ottawa to get the job done."