Refurbishment of the 118-year-old Menesetung Bridge in Goderich, Ont. will cost more than initially expected, after some serious damage was found on one of the piers. The work to rehabilitate the tops and bottoms of the five piers that support the 250-tonne pedestrian bridge began in April. It was initially expected to be complete by September, but more damage to one of the piers was found, meaning the project has been extended into November. It also means the work, which was thought to cost approximately $970,000, will now cost more than $1 million. The shortfall in fundraising and the extra work means the Menesetung Bridge Association was approximately $90,000 short to cover the cost of the repairs. Despite already giving $50,000 each, the Town of Goderich and Municipality of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh will kick in another $45,000 each to cover the extra work. It’s expected the popular pedestrian bridge, which spans the Maitland River and attracts 30,000 visitors each year, will be open to the public again sometime in November.
