Silver Islet Campers Association

Please note the following notice regarding the pending rehabilitation of Bridge and Request for Comment

Deadline for Comment November 12, 2021

NOTICE OF PROJECT STEP-DOWN

Rehabiliation of Sibley Creek Modular Bridge

Hwy 587, 1.0 km north of Silver Islet near Thunder Bay ON

NTO file: GWP 6129017-00

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Hatch Limited to complete the detail design study and Class Environmental Assessment for the rehabiliation of Sibley Creek Modular Bridge, located along Highway 587, approximately 1.0 km north of SIlver Islet near Thunder Bay (please refer to location map attached)

A commencement of Study Notice was distributed  to stakeholders in June 2021 to introduce the project and provide an opportunity to comment.  The purpose of this notice is to provide you with an update of the study process and invite you to share any comments or concerns you may have.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Structural inspections undertaken by MTO have determined that the existing structure is entering poor condition and requires rehabilitation to maintain public safety and preserve the integrity of the roadway.

ROAD CLOSURE

The rehabilitation of the bridge will require a full road closure at the bridge site, and traffic will be detoured along Highway 587 through Silver Islet.  Construction is tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2022.  The road is anticipated to be closed for approximately 2 weeks at the bridge site.  Affected property owners and emergency service providers will be notified in advance of the scheduled road closure once exact dates  are known.

CLASS EA

This study was initiated as a Group 'B' project under the MTO Class Environmental Assessment  for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) with the opportunity for public input throughout.

Based on the information collected and comments received during the screening process, it has been determined that this project will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts.  Accordingly, the MTO is proposing to step down the project from a Group 'B'  to a Group 'C'.  Stepping down a project means there would be no opportunity to request a Part ll Order ("Bump-Up"), and an Environmental Screening Document would be prepared for internal use only.

This notification marks the beginning of a 30- day comment period in which affected parties may request to the MTO that the project remain a Group 'B' project.  If no objections are received by Friday November 12, 2021, the project will be stepped down to a Group 'C' project.

Upon completion of the study and pending environmental approvals, regional priorities, and available funding, the project will proceed to construction.

COMMENTS

Please forward any comments or concerns to either:

Rami El Mawed, P.Eng

Dale Wiersema, P.Eng

Project Engineer

Principal Project Manager

Project Delivery Section- Northwest Region

Hatch Limited

Ministry of Transportation

973 Balmoral Street, Suite 101

615 James Street South

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 0E2

Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P6

tel: 807-625-8728

tel: 807-356-1731

fax: 807-623-5925

fax: 807-473-2168

e-mail: dale.wierseman@hatch.com

e-mail: rami.elmawed@ontario.ca

Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  All comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and, with the exception of personal information, will become part of the public record.

Sincerely

Melissa Hughson

Environmental Planner

Hatch Ltd.

cc:

R. El Mawed, MTO

T. Kleinboeck, MTO

D. Wiersema, Hatch