Placentia bridge replacement solution sought

A lift bridge in Placentia is nearing the end of its lifespan andneeds replacing, says the town's mayor.

The nearly 50-year-old Sir Ambrose Sheabridge has a lifespan of 45 years. The Newfoundland and Labrador government put out a call for tenders this past spring but the only bid on the project came in at double the original estimate. The provincial government is now searching for other solutions.

The condition of the bridge is deteriorating, said Placentia Mayor Bill Hogan, and he is urging government to act soon.

"It's 20 metres, almost 20 metres above the gut.And it could flounder, anything could happen on it. It could weaken," he said.