Expect traffic delays as Burlington Canal Lift Bridge closes for a day
Published September 3, 2024 at 9:38 am
The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge will be closed to all traffic for most of one day this week.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the agency responsible for the construction project on the bridge, says the closure will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
During this period, all lanes will be closed to vehicular traffic in both directions.
Motorists should expect delays.
Cyclists and pedestrians may cross the bridge using the available pathways. Marine traffic will not be affected.
The closure is due to ongoing construction and rehabilitation work on the bridge.
PSPC says completion of the work is on target for this fall — which means it could be wrapped up any time from late September to about Christmas. The agency is unable to be more specific about the completion date.
Construction on the bridge, which carries Eastport Drive traffic across Hamilton Harbour, has been ongoing for more than a year and at times has been completely closed off to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Since March, the bridge has reopened for one alternating lane that is controlled by traffic signals. This system will remain in place until the project is complete.
A message sent by PSPC said work this summer has been focussed on the removal of former concrete decks on the east side of the approach spans, and the rehabilitation of the existing structural steel.
As well, pedestrian traffic has been moved from the temporary sidewalk to the existing sidewalk on the west side of the lift span and approaches.
While the work on the bridge and resulting traffic slowdowns have been frustrating for drivers, especially during rush hours, the project has been deemed critically necessary to prolong the lifespan of the ageing structure.
Constructed in 1961, the 381-ft lift bridge is the sixth to span the canal since 1830. The lift allows vessels to enter and exit Hamilton Harbour into Lake Ontario but is also a major route used by vehicles to cross the harbour.
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