Burlington Canal Lift Bridge fully closed until March 20

The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is now fully closed to traffic as construction at the crossing enters its final phase.

Public Services and Procurement Canada says the bridge will remain closed until at least March 20 for the rehabilitation of the nearly 62-year-old bridge.

REMINDER: Full closure of the #Burlington Canal Lift Bridge from Tuesday, January 2, to Wednesday, March 20. https://t.co/08JIwokGta

— Public Services and Procurement Canada (@PSPC_SPAC) December 29, 2023

Signage will be posted in the area reflecting the closure, with the Burlington Skyway serving as the primary detour.

The project is estimated to have cost $32 million and has been underway since 2021.

It plans to replace the bridge deck grating and widen the pedestrian and cyclist pathways.

READ MORE: Burlington Canal Lift Bridge to close for 3 months due to construction

The work is scheduled to coincide with the winter pause in the shipping season, meaning the bridge does not need to lift to allow vessels into the port in Hamilton Harbour.

In March, thousands of people will be using the bridge for the 130th Around the Bay Road Race.

The event is scheduled just four days after the bridge is expected to re-open.

“We have been in contact with the construction team and management team of that project in October, they are very clear that they plan to have it open,” says Anna Lewis, director of the race.

“We also have another touch point in February where we can discuss progress.. and so we’re confident that we will be able to host the race across the lift bridge as planned for March 24th.”