Here’s when drivers who take Ontario highway to Niagara will face closures on Burlington Skyway

Niagara-bound drivers got a break this weekend as highway lane closures initially planned on the Burlington Skyway bridge were put off for several weeks.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) said in an online update the next closure of two Niagara-bound lanes on the busy bridge that takes QEW traffic over Hamilton Harbour is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 17-20.

On that weekend, the pair of lanes will close to traffic from 10 p.m. on the Friday (Oct. 17) until 5 a.m. the following Monday, weather permitting.

The weekend closures have been in effect periodically since May 2024 as rehabilitation work continues on the Burlington Skyway lanes. Work and related lane closures are expected to continue until December 2026.

MTO officials say motorists can “expect delays throughout the area when lanes are closed,” adding the closures depend on weather and work schedules, “and may be postponed or changed throughout the project.”

The ministry says it’s rehabilitating Niagara-bound lanes on the 2.2-kilometre bridge in addition to upgrading the lighting in both directions.

“This project will extend the service life of the QEW Niagara-bound lanes,” the MTO said in an online project update.

While no additional lane closures beyond the Oct. 17 weekend are currently scheduled, that could change, the ministry noted.

Work outlined in the major road improvement project includes:

• removal and replacement of the concrete barrier walls
• repair of the concrete bridge deck
• bridge deck waterproofing
• new highway lighting
• improved signage
• drainage improvements
• paving of the Niagara-bound lanes

Meanwhile, drivers frustrated by the constant congestion and delays on the Burlington Skyway can turn to a new website for help.

The site will provide real-time data on traffic conditions on the bridge as well as updates on ongoing construction.

Work on the Skyway has been a lengthy process and has arrived in different phases. The current work started in May of 2024 and is expected to be completed late in 2026.

Construction involves upgrades in both directions, with much of the work concentrated on the Niagara-bound lanes.

The lane closures have led to heavy traffic through the area and lengthy delays for those travelling to Niagara on weekends.