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www.insidehalton.com |OAKVILLE BEAVER |Thursday, November 23, 2017 |26 Lakeshore Road Bridge now re-open for business by David Lea O akville Beaver S ta ff People interested in visiting Downtown Oakville or Kerr Village can now cross the newlyreconstructed Lakeshore Road bridge to do so. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton along with Ward 2 Councillors Cathy Duddeck and Ray Chisholm and Ward 3 Councillors Dave Gittings and Nick Hutchins officially re-opened the bridge during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday (Nov. 17). The bridge had been closed since January 2017 for extensive rehabilitation work. Construction finished ahead of its scheduled mid-December completion date and just in time for the Oakville Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 18. During the ceremony, which was attended by dozens of spectators, the mayor and council unveiled a commemorative plaque after which they jumped aboard a vintage fire truck, which became the first vehicle to cross the newly reconstructed bridge. "I am extremely pleased that the bridge has been able to be opened ahead of schedule-just in time for our Santa Claus Parade. On behalf of council, I would also like to thank everyone for their patience throughout the construction," said Burton. "With the completion of the bridge, the rejuvenation of Downtown Oakville is underway. Changing the streetscape in downtown Oakville will help pave the way for a revitalized As is tradition when a bridge opens in town, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and Ward 2 and 3 Town councillors rode Oakville Fire's vintage fire truck across the newly-reconstructed Lakeshore Road Bridge during a grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. | David Lea/Metroland downtown. This investment demonstrates a major commitment to our downtown, which is essential to the cultural and economic well-being of our community." The capital budget for the project was $10.5 million, however Burton said it finished under budget. The reopening was well received by members of the local business community. "We're ecstatic that it is open again," said Sharlene Plewman, executive director of the Downtown Oakville BIA. "The artery is so important for getting people down here and we are so pleased it is not just open, but open early. This is a lovely precursor to what the downtown is going to be able to present in 2020 when the rest of the construction is complete." The bridge' s rehabilitation was initially scheduled to take place in 2019 as part of the Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project, but Town staff recommended that reconstruction of the bridge begin in January 2017 due to its condition. The new structure includes two travel lanes and bike lanes. There is also a wider pedestrian sidewalk with a barrier wall to separate the sidewalk and vehicular traffic. New pedestrian railings and lookouts are included as well as LED lighting. The Lakeshore Road approaches to the bridge between Navy Street and Forsythe Street were also reconstructed and streetscaped with similar materials planned for the eventual reconstruction of Lakeshore Road in 2019/2020. With Lakeshore Road East (Navy Street to Allan Street) coming to the end of its lifespan and needing major reconstruction, the Town undertook extensive research and public consultation to identify broader opportunities to improve traffic, beautify streets and improve pedestrian/cycle ways in the downtown. In October 2015, council approved the Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project as part of the Downtown Transportation and Streetscape Study. The Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project will begin in 2019 and be completed over a two-year period. N o m in a t e a n a m a z in g k id in y o u r c o m m u n it y . Do you need help finding a job? 75% of jobs are not advertised Let us help you navigate the hidden job market! Do you know som eone who is involved in worthwhile community service, is contributing while living with a limitation, has performed a heroic act, dem onstrates individual excellence, or is going above and beyond to help others? If so, nominate them today! Call o r d rop in fo r free a ssista n ce Oakville-2387 Trafalgar Road, Unit B5 (905) 257-8856 Burlington--4039 New Street (905) 633-8324 Hamilton-1050 Upper Gage (905) 526-8488 w w w.goodw illjobs.ca w w w .facebook.com /Goodw illCareerCentre/ Nominations are open until November 30, 2017. Form s and information are available from this newspaper, and from the Ontario Com m unity N ew spapers Association at ocna.org/juniorcitizen. Sponsored by: X ONTARIO JUNIOR CITIZEN AWARDS Nadine Carter Stouffville, ON 2 0 1 6 Ontario Ju n ior Citizen X Celebrate what makes your community great.