Blackfriars Bridge to reopen to vehicular traffic as London city council awaits study

The wrought iron bridge, erected in 1875, was designated a heritage structure in 1992 and is one of a small number of bridges like it that are still in active use.

City councillors in London, Ont., have voted to reopen the historic Blackfriars Bridge to vehicular traffic as the group of municipal politicians await a study on its long-term use before deciding whether to keep it open for motorists.

In late 2018, the bridge reopened to vehicular traffic following an extensive restoration that saw its finishing touches put in place nearly a year later.

In April 2020, motorists were temporarily barred from using the bridge in an effort to allow for physical distancing between pedestrians and cyclists amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bridge was set to open this month to eastbound vehicular traffic, which prompted a petition on Change.org asking the city to keep it closed.

The petition made its way to city hall through Ward 12 Coun. Elizabeth Peloza, who brought up the matter during an early November meeting of the civic works committee, which is chaired by Peloza.

Peloza then put forward a motion to have the bridge stay closed to vehicular traffic as council awaits a review of the bridge’s operations.

This study on the long-term use of the bridge is a requirement under the environmental assessment process of the extensive restoration that was completed in 2018. That study is expected to wrap up in 2023, according to city staff.

The motion earned the support of the committee and Peloza hoped to see a repeat during Tuesday’s meeting of council.