Historic Ross River bridge to be torn down

The Ross River suspension bridge is in such bad shape it must be torn down, the Yukon government says.

Engineers say the 70-year-old footbridge is so precarious a strong wind or a heavy wet snowfall could bring it crashing down.

The wooden suspension bridge is 319 metres long, anchored at either end by 28 metre high steel towers.  

There are substantial cracks in the top support beam of the north tower and it's beginning to lean over. The engineers also found the foundations are sinking,

They don't know when they will tear the bridge down.

The bridge area has been barricaded off,  and the stairs removed. The government is warning people to stay well away from the bridge area, both on foot or on the river.

The ferry is operating twice a day to bring vehicles back to the south side. It is in danger of being hit by debris if the bridge falls. People will be taken across on a boat. Officials are not allowing anyone to go across to the north side.