GALETTA – Project leaders for the rebuilding of the Mississippi River Bridge at Hwy. 17 say the project just a bit behind schedule.

Coun. Eli El-Chantiry released a letter yesterday (Sept. 4) from Demathieu Bard Construction detailing the delay.

“Please be advised the completion date of the work in progress under Mississippi River Bridge Replacement will require to be extended,” contractor Qusay Rassawala wrote in a letter dated Aug. 16. “As part of ongoing work, Hwy. 17 will remain closed between Kinburn and Galletta Side roads. The highway is expected to re-open for public use late October 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your kind cooperation.”

The letter does state local traffic will be permitted.

The letter was sent to the City of Ottawa Public Works and Environmental Services Dept.

The bridge replacement project is led by the province after paving around 14 kilometres of road between Arnprior and Antrim two years ago. The road and bridge rehabilitation are part of an agreement between the province and the city as after the work is done, the highway will be ‘given’ to the City of Ottawa and become a municipal responsibility.