The Moffat Bridge was damaged when an over-height load struck the underside of the structure.
The damage has not caused the closure of the bridge, but some repairs will be necessary, as well as more inspections, said a statement from the City of Quesnel. Moffat Bridge traffic will consequently be reduced to single-lane alternating flow, on Saturday (Sept. 30) between 6:30-10:30 a.m.
“Crews will be performing structural inspections including internally and underneath the bridge,” said a City of Quesnel statement.
The details of the collision were not immediately known. The City of Quesnel told The Observer that “indications are it is relatively recent.” Information is needed from the public to determine who struck the bridge and when.
The incident was discovered on Sept. 13 when the Moffat Bridge underwent annual structural inspections.
“Crews performed inspections to the exterior of the bridge and inside of the bridge box beam,” said the City’s account. “These inspections provide a closer look at bridge components that are critical to the structural integrity of the bridge. During the inspection, it was found that the bridge had been damaged by an over-height load striking the bridge on the underside of the bridge at the approach to the North Fraser Drive on-ramp.”
The full extent of the damage is unknown. The City confirmed that inspection crews are “entering into a program of enhanced monitoring for damage that will last for the foreseeable future.”
At the request of the City bridge engineer, all overweight loads are currently prohibited.
Traffic control will be in place. Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge during this time.
If you witnessed or have details regarding the damage to the Moffat Bridge, please call or email the City of Quesnel at (250) 992-2111 or cityhall@quesnel.ca.
READ MORE: Disruptions to Johnston and Moffat Bridges in Quesnel