The plan to restore the Burritts Rapids swing bridge is moving forward.
Parks Canada has announced they plan to make the repairs this fall, with current estimates targeting October 16th as the start date. Due to the work the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, the closure will last until spring of 2018 once the work starts. While the bridge is closed a temporary pedestrian crossing, along with a small parking lot on the bridge’s south side, will be put in place to limit the inconvenience to the community.
Detours will be in place to direct drivers to the downstream crossing near Becketts Landing, where River Road and Donnelly Drive meet County Road 44. There is also an upstream crossing at the Upper Nicholsons Locks, but Parks Canada warns that this crossing has a height and weight restriction.
The swing bridge is the oldest structure of its kind crossing the Rideau Canal and repairs will include fixing the structural steel and masonry while replacing the timber bridge deck. They also plan to sandblast and repaint the entire structure.
Parks Canada say they will be providing additional information closer to the date, and posting the road closures once the bridge is no longer open. They would also like to thank the Burritts Rapids community for their participation and feedback, as well as understanding as the repairs are completed.
