Miles Canyon suspension bridge to close temporarily for repairs
Historic Whitehorse footbridge has been repaired several times since it was built in 1922
The historic Miles Canyon suspension footbridge that spans the Yukon River south of Whitehorse will be closed from Sept. 12 to Oct. 31 for repairs.
Jennifer Macgillivray, director of Infrastructure Development in the Yukon government's Community Services department, said the bridge was closed last fall for the winter because of rotting wooden beams.
Temporary repairs were made in April so residents and tourists could use it during the summer.
The work done this fall should make the bridge safe to use for decades, she said.
The entrance areas to the bridge will fenced off and warning signs posted during the work.
"It's a construction zone; it's not safe to walk on," said Macgillivray.
"I don't think it will look safe when it's under construction. I don't think people will attempt to walk across the bridge."
CMF Construction Ltd. of Nanaimo, B.C., was awarded the $288,243 contract after submitting the lowest bid.
Macgillivray said the federal government built the Miles Canyon bridge in 1922 and later turned it over to the territorial government. It has been repaired several times since then, she said.