On Feb. 15, Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever told councillors he had recently discovered Niska Road is to be closed as of Feb. 28.
Lever noted that about one year ago a delegation from the city of Guelph approached council.
At that time Puslinch councillors voiced concern about the bridge widening and the potential of increased traffic.
Lever quipped that traffic on one of the township’s busier roads “is about to drop to zero.”
To his knowledge, there was no definition as to how long the bridge will be closed.
Director of public works Don Creed added the bridge is not only closed to vehicular traffic, but to pedestrians and cyclists as well.
He noted there was talk of installing additional fencing to discourage pedestrian or cycling use as well. Creed suggested those users may find a way across regardless.
“At this point (the closure) is an indefinite time frame. I think if you read between the lines, it is a way to help them speed up the EA process for the bridge replacement – the decision they want,” said Creed.
He told councillors to expect larger traffic volumes on other township roads as a result – especially Laird Road.
Creed did not anticipate Pioneer Road to be overly used, though it might be initially.
“People will find their way, but we may have to look at some additional signage,” said Creed. He added his concern is that the Puslinch section of Niska Road may become a parking lot for hikers and bikers.
“It is still a roadway and we still need to maintain it,” he said, adding that if “no parking” signs need to be replaced, “my intention is that they will be at the cost of the City of Guelph … because they are the ones who caused the problem.”
Creed also contended “communication between the City of Guelph, Guelph-Eramosa and ourselves on this was very professional,” especially since all three were part of the EA process.
Mayor Lever said he would take concerns to Guelph’s mayor.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said it seemed strange the bridge closing was being cited as emergency in nature – “But (the closure) is (scheduled) two weeks after they acknowledged the emergency.”
Bulmer said if the bridge “is at risk of collapse … how do they know it is safe for two weeks?”
Creed had no answer. He said generally if there is a risk, bridges are closed immediately. He understood it takes time to get things in place to redirect traffic, as well as other steps, should bridges close permanently.
Creed noted during this time of year, that section of road is used as a turnaround point for snowplows.
