|
The Neebing-McIntyre Floodway received required maintenance dredging of the channel
to the west of the CP Rail bridge. “Sediment removal was one of the items identified
during our Integrity
Analysis Study of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway back in 1998,” stated Rick
Potter, Lakehead Conservation Chairman.
Lakehead Conservation had determined from their annual monitoring program that sediment had collected in this area. The shallower depth meant that the Floodway could carry less water, especially during flood situations. Removal of the sediment was necessary to ensure that the Floodway continues to provide flood protection to the Intercity area.
Two sediment traps were integrated into the Floodway’s design when it was built in the early 1980’s. Silt and sand settles in the traps located in the Floodway Channel. By having the traps, dredging is limited to two concentrated areas. The trap near Balmoral St. will be dredged in 2000. |
 |
| Above:
Sediment is dredged out of the Floodway Channel to the west of the
CPR bridge. Clearing of the 'sediment trap' helps maintain the Floodway's
ability to pass high flows. |
|
|
“The Ford Street pedestrian bridge was another concern raised by the Floodway Study,” noted Chairman Potter. “During one flood event, water and debris were lapping at the base of the bridge span. If large debris had ever hit the bridge during high waterflows, it could have dislodged the bridge in a downstream direction with potentially catastrophic results.”
The pedestrian bridge crosses over the Neebing River at the corner of Ford St.
and Parkway Dr. During October, a contractor lifted out the old concrete bridge
and rehabilitated the concrete supports. A new, pre-engineered structure was then
lowered into place.
The new bridge has a greater clearance above the river surface and will safely pass flood flows. The bridge's wider deck accommodates the high number of people that use the bridge on the recreation pathways or for getting to school. Lakehead Conservation acted as the project supervisor and funding was provided in partnership by the City of Thunder Bay and the provincial government.
The Neebing-McIntyre Floodway works by diverting excessive flows from the Neebing River down the Diversion Channel to the Floodway Channel outletting to Lake Superior. It gives flood protection to the Intercity area and offers a fine recreational setting with pathways and the Blake Memorial Grove.
|
 |
| Above:
A crane lowers the main span of the new Ford St. pedestrian bridge.
The bridge sits higher above the Neebing River and has a wider deck.
|
|
Originally
posted: Jan. 28, 2000
