Parks Canada has now awarded the construction contract for the Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge rehabilitation project. The contractor is currently planning to mobilize the site in mid-November, with the project completion scheduled for spring 2018.
The project will begin with intermittent bridge closures, in order to undertake investigative work on the mechanical and structural components of the bridge. These brief closures will be flagged by the contractor to allow for traffic to flow. A longer-term closure to complete the repairs is expected in early 2018. This closure date will be publicized through a community bulletin and up-to-date construction signage.
Once the bridge closes to vehicular traffic for repair in 2018, a temporary pedestrian crossing will be put in place in order to maintain access for the community. A small parking area will also be provided south of the pedestrian crossing for those making use of the temporary bridge.
The detour route will redirect vehicles to the downstream crossing near Becketts Landing where Donnelly Drive and River Road meet County Road 44. Parks Canada would like to thank the Burritts Rapids community for their patience and understanding as we complete these important repairs.
Through investments in infrastructure, Parks Canada is protecting and preserving our treasured places, while supporting local economies, contributing to growth in the tourism sector, and enhancing the charm and attractiveness of Canada’s heritage sites.
Largely situated on an island between the Rideau River and Canal, Burritts Rapids was one of the first communities on the Rideau, tracing its roots to 1793 and the arrival of Col. Stephen Burritt. The canal cut was dug in 1826 and the dirt and clay served as building materials for the earth dams holding back the water of the Rideau Canal from the community site. The swing bridge dates to 1897 and continues to be swung by hand during the navigation season.
For More Information:
For up-to-date news on Parks Canada infrastructure work in this community, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/rcNorthGrenville. For questions or concerns, or to receive updates regarding these projects, please contact us at RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Burritts Rapids” in the subject heading.
