It’s expected the LaSalle Causeway, which was closed to both vehicles and pedestrians Saturday, will remain closed for several weeks, a news release from Public Services and Procurement Canada says.

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“Although we still need to conduct a complete assessment of the damage that occurred to the structure, preliminary indications are that the LaSalle Causeway will be closed for several weeks,” the PSPC update issued late Thursday afternoon stated.

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The release also clarified what actually happened in Saturday afternoon’s “incident on the Bascule Bridge.”

“The element of the bridge that was compromised during construction is a diagonal steel truss element supporting the counterweight on the bridge,” the news release read. “On March 30, the diagonal element was damaged while carrying out work to strengthen it.”

PSPC said that specialized equipment was brought in to “stabilize the structure.

“Once set up, this equipment will be able to support the counterweight to stabilize the structure,” the release stated.

“As soon as it is safe to access the site, PSPC will be able to assess the full extent of the damage and prepare plans for repairs.”

PSPC said it is “working diligently to resolve the issue and reopen the bridge as soon as possible.”

While the causeway is out of service, drivers will be detoured to the Waaban Crossing and Hwy. 401.