by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 09/98) - The water under the bridge connecting Old Town to Latham Island was the last patch of Yellowknife Bay to freeze last year, but the problem appears to be licked this year.

"We put in basically a big plastic bladder filled with water," explained the city's new director of public works, Dave Craig. "Because that water remains stagnant it blocks the flow under the bridge."

The bridge was built in late 1996 for just under $750,000 -- about $170,000 over budget.

Residents complained bitterly and repeatedly that the open water and thin ice near it posed a hazard for young and old alike. Craig said the water under the bridge froze within days of the bladder being installed in mid-December.

"This is a relatively cheap solution. We're hoping to get two to three years of life out of this one," said Craig, who credited public works manager Adrian Bader with the solution. The bladder will be removed and its condition assessed each summer, added Craig.

Though snowmachines have been passing under the bridge, Craig said the city will not be removing barriers it has assembled there until a couple of safety measures are taken.

Orange markers will be attached to the overpass to clearly indicate how much headroom is available. A slight jog in the passageway will be constructed to ensure snowmobiles using it slow down.

"For us, that's the most critical part, that they don't go bombing through there -- for their safety and the safety of others," said Craig.

He said the safety measures will likely be in place by the end of this week.