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Committee flags Weddell Bridge condition and Jamboree crowding as maintenance priority
Summary
Members raised safety and capacity concerns about Weddell Bridge during discussion of event logistics and park priorities; staff said bridge condition may require engineering and significant funds and could force closures if not addressed.
Committee members raised concerns about the structural condition of Weddell Bridge and its effect on community events such as the annual Jamboree. A committee member said the committee has continued to limit bridge crossings during events to keep crowds within safe capacity and warned that if the bridge condition worsens “we're gonna have to shut the bridge down.”
Angela Brown, parks staff, told the committee that addressing structural needs is likely to require engineering work and substantial funding: “Engineering is probably going to come in pretty high to do it,” she said. Committee members discussed seeking assistance from local organizations and potential donors; one member suggested hiring a contracting crew to remove the bridge if necessary and seeking community contributions to rebuild, but no formal funding plan was adopted.
Brown said staff will continue conversations with partner organizations and that the bridge remains an operational priority but that Sankey Park Phase 3 and its funding issues are currently absorbing staff attention and resources.
No action was taken to close or repair the bridge at the meeting; committee members said they will continue to raise the issue with partner groups and bring possible funding approaches to future meetings.
