In the average day, most students cross the Faryon Bridge at least half a dozen times as they scramble between classes held on East and West Bank.
As you have probably noticed, significant construction is currently underway on the bridge.
After numerous engineering technical reviews and following deliberations with the Board of Governors, Trent University has recently decided to undertake an extensive renovation project of the Faryon Bridge.
The bridge, which is nearing its 50th anniversary, is in need of repairs. Originally built in 1968 by famous designer architect partners Paul Merrick and Ron Thom, the bridge is an incredible 182-foot long expanse of concrete deck and lean supportive bracing.
Faryon Bridge was named after the late Reginal R. Faryon, the man largely responsible for promoting the site that is now Trent Symons Campus. Historically, Reginald R. Faryon was also a member of the Trent’s original Board and president of the Quaker Oats Company of Canada.
For the past few decades, the Faryon Bridge has stood as a proud symbol of architectural wonder, adding both elegance and flair to the Otonabee River.
However, today the bridge is in rough shape. Construction on the bridge began during the summer in early August and could potentially carry on until June of next year.
As we have already seen, these scheduled renovations are going to have a big impact on students. High green fences have been put in place on either side of the bridge, disrupting the normal flow of traffic.
A minimum eight foot pathway has been devised to exist across the bridge at all times, but so far, the narrow space has often limited the walkway to single file.
During the work period, the bridge has become noisy and the air filled with dust. Metal supports have also been installed, largely obscuring the view of the river. All the same, it is good to see that caution is being exercised by the university and the bridge remains open and accessible.
Pedestrians should note that at some point during the project, a full four-day shutdown of the bridge will need to occur. Never before has a total shutdown of the bridge been organized.
During this time, alternate transportation for getting the mass of students between East and West Bank will need to be arranged.
Advance notice and specific details regarding the shutdown will follow. Students should also keep in mind that work will be weather-dependent and will include a hiatus during the winter months.
In an online statement released by Trent University, Robert Ballarin, who is the project manager at the Physical Resources Department, was quoted explaining that the repairs are “difficult to undertake, and lengthy in nature.”
Ballarin has been unvailable for comment about the specifics of the project.
More details will be published as they become available.
