THUNDER BAY – The James Street Bridge remains closed to all but CN Rail traffic. However in Question Period in the House of Commons on Tuesday, the federal Minister of Transportation Lisa Raitt stated, “We are aware that there are negotiations ongoing between Thunder Bay and CN Rail, because CN owns this bridge. If there are responsibilities and liabilities related to bridge repair and maintenance, we expect CN to fulfill these”.
The Minister’s comments came in answer to a question raised by Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty.
MP Rafferty asked, “However, it has been a year now since I asked the minister to help get the James Street bridge in Thunder Bay reopened. The loss of this bridge has a significant economic impact on both Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation. It impedes the work of first responders”.
“CN should not be allowed to hold a community hostage like this. Will the minister finally respond to my request and intervene to get this important bridge reopened?”
The City of Thunder Bay is currently studying a proposal from CN Rail toward the bridge, but have not released their decision.
