Residents of the Pontiac may have been surprised that the interprovincial bridge near the Chenaux Generating Station in Portage-du-Fort was unexpectedly blocked Monday night (July 4).

While Ontario Power Generation had announced overnight closures (between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.) on July 5 and 6, the interruptions on July 4 were unannounced. The bridge has been closed overnight periodically while crews work to upgrade the sluice gate structures.

According to Jennifer Gardiner, a stakeholder relations agent with OPG, the bridge was reduced to one lane overnight on July 4, but was temporarily blocked several times throughout the evening while the work crews were using a crane. She said that they had been in contact with the contractor to ensure that communication is more clear if such work takes place in the future.

Gardiner added that residents should check OPG’s website to ensure they’re aware of any new closures, as the construction schedule is subject to change.

The current schedule of overnight closures (between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.) is as follows:

 July 5, 6, 19 & 21 
Sept. 5, 6, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26 & 27

Alternative routes can be found on Hwy. 148 on L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, or via the Quyon Ferry. The ferry will be open until 11 p.m. on the closure dates in July.