The Cherry Street bridge over the Keating Channel will be lowered to a horizontal position today. Once lowered, the bridge will be locked in place and engineers will begin structural inspections to ensure it is safe and passable before access can be re-instated for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Date: Wednesday, August 28
Time: Noon
Location: Green space at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Cherry Street
Map: http://bit.ly/CherryStBridge
Media are asked to meet on the green space northwest of the bridge for visuals of the bridge being lowered and for spokesperson availability.
Lowering the bridge, a complex process involving a crane and winch system, is expected to take up to several hours. There could be delays if the wind picks up while the bridge is being lowered. Structural inspections will take a few more days and the aim is to re-instate bridge access within a week.
The City of Toronto and PortsToronto appreciate everyone’s patience as they continue to work through this situation as quickly and safely as possible.
Detour signs will remain in place. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who want to access or return from the Port Lands while the bridge work is underway can continue to use the Don Roadway, Carlaw Avenue or Leslie Street.
Signage will remain in place around the closure to help direct TTC customers. The 121 Fort York and 72 Pape bus routes will continue to divert around Cherry Street between Lake Shore Boulevard East and Villiers Street. No stops will be missed but some may be shifted slightly to accommodate the detours. TTC customers are encouraged to follow @TTCnotices on Twitter or check http://www.ttc.ca for more detailed routing information.
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