A group of Stephenville Crossing residents are uniting to raise awareness about concerns over the state of the town’s Gut Bridge.
About 70 people met on Tuesday night to express their frustrations about what they regard as safety issues, including weakening guardrails and an excessive number of potholes.
“Tonight we’re here for the safety of our kids and the general public, but especially our kids crossing the bridge on a school bus,” said resident Dave Kane. “Something has to be done, as far as I’m concerned, before the new school year starts this year. I don’t think parents should send (their children to school on buses) before something is done.”
He noted the bridge is part of the region’s main access road, Route 490, and is regularly used by transport trucks and other large vehicles that are not permitted to use Route 460.
“The bridge has deteriorated immensely, especially all the rails, which anyone can see when they cross this bridge,” said Mr. Kane. “This is an accident waiting to happen. There are many other problems with this bridge.”
Mayor Leona Webb said the town’s council recently met with provincial government officials and was told Gut Bridge was safe and that money for upgrades wouldn’t be available this year – nor was there a guarantee of funding for next year.
At the end of the meeting, around 20 people signed up to form a committee that will try to raise government and public knowledge on the matter.
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