Opening of bridge welcomed by Burlington and Hamilton drivers

Two years of construction will soon come to an end on the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

That means traffic for cars, trucks, bikes and pedestrians will be able to flow freely across Hamilton Harbour on Eastport Drive.

Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. has been set as the reopening.

The lift bridge has been undergoing $32 million worth of repairs and maintenance which began in 2022 and has led to traffic disruption since as complete closures and lane reductions have forced motorists to find alternative ways to travel through the area.

A project of the federal government, the work is expected to extend the life of the bridge which serves as a vital link between Hamilton and Burlington.

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 next week.

“It’s about time,” said Burlington resident Rudy Mayo who has complained tirelessly about the traffic problems caused by the construction.

Mayo has said delays and closures on the lift bridge combined with ongoing work on the Burlington Skyway have created commuting headaches for thousands in both Burlington and Hamilton.

His concerns and now relief have been echoed by others on social media who say the project was necessary for the aging bridge but took too long to complete.

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.