Markham, ON ~ Thornhill’s John Street Bridge has reopened. The bridge, located on John Street between Bayview and Henderson Avenues, was closed to traffic earlier this year for deck and superstructure replacement.

The bridge was built in 1971 and since that time traffic has increased to 18,000 cars a day, resulting in significant wear to the bridge. Reconstruction had been scheduled to start in June, 2008. However, when crews conducted routine inspection and pothole repairs early in April, it was determined the bridge needed to be closed immediately due to unsafe conditions caused by severe winter damage. Work on the new bridge started on May 7.

The bridge was designed in consultation with Heritage Markham, Council’s advisory committee on heritage matters, to comply with the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District guidelines, by Totten Sims Hubicki. Marbridge Construction Ltd. built the bridge with protection of the surrounding environment as a major consideration during the ongoing process. “We appreciate residents were inconvenienced during the reconstruction and thank everyone for their patience,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We’re pleased, however, that the work was completed both on time and on budget and, above all, is a sound and safe new structure that will serve the needs of the community for many years to come.”

A commemorative plaque ceremony and a Markham Trees for Tomorrow planting to complete the landscaping takes place at the bridge Tuesday, September 2 at 2 p.m.