The Ministry of Transportation is stepping up security measures on the MTO-managed pedestrian bridge which spans the Highway 11/17 bypass near Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay.
The MTO made the changes including the addition of a loud horn inside the tunnel and garage doors on each entrance. The security upgrades come due to homeless individuals taking refuge and even making fires within the pedestrian bridge over the North Bay bypass during the cold winter months and on rainy nights.
"The Ministry of Transportation has implemented additional safety enhancements within the North Bay pedestrian overpass," the Ministry stated in an email to BayToday.
"These enhancements include new signage, motion detectors, audible deterrents, and rolling garage doors at either end of the structure.
"This will allow MTO to securely close the structure should repairs be needed and to ensure the safety of pedestrians accessing the structure."
See related: Pedestrian bridge repairs continue
The bridge was closed on February 5 due to a fire that was started by homeless trying to keep warm inside the glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge. Temporary repairs to the damaged boards were performed by MTO contractors. The bridge was closed to the public for two days. The final repairs to the wooden floored bridge were completed during March Break.
The North Bay Police, who have been monitoring the location in the mornings when students are using the bridge to get to schools such as Chippewa Secondary School, will continue to watch over the area.
"The pedestrian bridge that traverses Highway 11/17 is the property of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation," explained David Woolley, corporate communications with the North Bay Police Service.
"The North Bay Police Service is aware that they have put in place proactive, preventative measures to help reduce loitering and damage to their property. Police will continue to do our part by monitoring the area. We are aware that students often use the bridge and, when possible, have officers conduct patrols in the area before the start and at the end of the school day.
Wooley is hopeful that the combined efforts of the North Bay Police Service and MTO will help improve the safety of people who use the overpass regularly.
