Three more months added to lane closures on Burlington Canal Lift Bridge

The work was supposed to be completed this month, but construction work on the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge will now continue through the end of March.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the operators of the bridge, say that as of today (Jan. 2) until March 20, the bridge will completely be closed off which will impact all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians travelling in both directions. 

Work on the bridge has been ongoing since last June and back then it was announced that it would be wrapped up by the beginning of this year.

PSPC has not explained why the work is continuing beyond the original completion date other than to say the bridge will be “fully closed for construction” until the start of spring.

The work involves replacing the bridge deck, which has suffered from wear and tear over the years.

Throughout the latter half of 2023, the work on the lift bridge and continuous construction on the Burlington Skyway caused traffic headaches throughout the area as lane closures disrupted traffic flow, especially during evening rush hours.

Throughout this current closure stage, signage will be in place to direct traffic to alternative routes, the PSPC said on its website. 

Constructed in 1961, this 381-ft bridge is the sixth to span the canal since 1830. The lift allows vessels to enter and exit Hamilton Harbour into Lake Ontario.