The Miles Canyon suspension bridge was closed Wednesday following a routine engineering inspection Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

Ben Yu Schott, a communications officer with the Department of Highways and Public Works, said today the department is hoping to have a more comprehensive inspection completed in the next few weeks.

It’s not possible to speculate on the seriousness of the issue that raised concerns, nor how long the bridge will be closed, until the completion of the comprehensive inspection, he said.

The pedestrian bridge is popular with locals and visitors. Many use it to access the extensive trail system on the side opposite the parking lot.

“Public safety is the main priority in restricting access to the bridge while the comprehensive inspection is underway,” says a statement issued Wednesday by the department.

“Signs and barricades have been installed on the bridge to prevent access. The public is asked to not access the bridge for the time being.

“Once the comprehensive inspection process is complete, the public will be notified and we will provide an update on when we can expect to be able to reopen the bridge.”

Information about what triggered the inspector’s initial concern was unavailable from the department before press time this afternoon.

Today’s closure of the Miles Canyon Road is not related to the bridge closure. Rather, it was closed for the season as it is every year when snow is in the air.

The road is gated at the Alaska Highway and on the first hill going up from Schwatka Lake, about 1.5 kilometres past the Schwatka Lake boat ramp and float plane base.

The Robert Lowe Bridge, as it’s officially known, was built in 1922.

It was dedicated to Lowe, a former mining businessman who went on to serve a lengthy career in local and territorial politics.