P.E.I.'s Cascumpec Bridge to finally be replaced, say officials

The Cascumpec bridge on Route 12 will finally be replaced, and P.E.I.'s Transportation Department is inviting the public to hear all about the project Wednesday night at a public information session in Alberton.

• Fix the Cascumpec Bridge, fix the oyster stocks: fishermen

The province had intended to start rebuilding the bridge in 2013 then put if off, citing budget constraints as well asurgent projectsin other parts of the Island. Now, the bridge replacementis going forward.

"There is some splintering, some checking, some splits, a little bit of rot," said Darrell Evans, assistant director for capital projects for the Transportation Department.

The bridge was built in 1969 and needs to be replaced, Evanssaid.

"It is definitely due. It has been posted for weight restrictions since the mid 90s so it is due for replacement."

Evans estimates the project will cost between $2.2 million and $2.6 million, and tenders will likely go out later this month.

The timeline for the project will be discussed at Wednesday night'smeeting.

The detour for motoristswill be about 17 kilometres.

And another thing

Evans says a proposed roundabout will also be discussedfor the Bloomfield intersection on Route 2.

The information sessionbegins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Alberton's Holland College West Prince Campus.