![Long lines of cars and trucks filling up on the Fort William First Nation K&A Gas Bar](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Fort-William-First-Nation-Gas-Bar-Dec-8-2013-11.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – News – The James Street Bridge in Thunder Bay is the land link between the Fort William First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay. A fire on the bridge on October 29th has left the only way to travel between the two communities the long way around. The bridge is maintained by the Canadian National Railway.
Within days of the fire, train traffic was restored. Vehicle travel remains months away.
The impact on local residents on Fort William First Nation has been huge.
![The James Street Bridge remains closed to train, vehicle and pedestrian traffic](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/James-Street-Bridge-Oct-31-2013.jpg)
The route between the two communities means travel times are far longer. The impact on the First Nation gas bars appears minimal. Today at K&A, once again there were long line-ups for gasoline.
Gas Prices Thunder Bay offers the latest prices for gas in the city.
The longer route however, from Arthur Street along
![The road to Fort William First Nation is now far longer. There will likely, as the river freezes be people attempting to seek a shortcut.](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Map-of-Route-to-Fort-William-First-Nation.jpg)
The long line-ups mean a lot of traffic along Chippewa Road, and along Highway 61. The increased traffic should prove the impetus for action.
The provincial and civic governments of Ontario and Thunder Bay, along with Fort William First Nation should be seeking a means of opening the bridge faster, and replacing the bridge with a safer means of transport between the city and the First Nation.
The speed of repairs should be a priority, as well for the Canadian National Railway.
James Murray