The Bloor Street Humber Bridge reconstruction on a dusty morning

The City of Toronto's bridge maintenance and improvement program continues apace this year after the completion of the Dundas St. West Humber Bridge reconstruction, moving south to the Bloor St. Bridge over the Humber River (PDF).

After spending most of the past year rehabilitating the structural steel underneath, work has now moved to the concrete decking which is being gradually demolished and rebuilt, one side at a time to keep traffic flowing reduced to one lane in either direction. Demolition efforts were kicking up a lot of dust this morning, catching the rising sun's rays so I had to stop and take a few photos.

The bridge dates from 1924 and before its construction, travelers would have to cross the river by descending into the ravine to use the Old Mill bridge which was subject to ice jams and other perils. The construction of the much higher, stronger Bloor St. bridge created opportunities for growth, and in addition to a likely increase in business at the Old Mill Restaurant, the Kingsway neighbourhood developed quickly after its completion.

The reconstruction project was originally slated to end this December but the steelwork stage proceeded somewhat slower than expected and the project is now slated to be completed mid to late 2011.

Writing and photos by Hamish Grant.

Check out more photos in the slide show below.