Lift bridge: ships can pass, but traffic can’t

The stuck Burlington Canal lift bridge has been raised to full height.

That means ships can now get in and out of Hamilton Harbour, but it is still closed to road traffic.

Yesterday it stopped about 25 metres above the canal because of a broken cable. It was raised overnight to allow ships to pass through because they were beginning to get backed up outside the harbour. Two cargo ships arrived after the bridge stuck yesterday, and more were expected today.

Hamilton public works is taking a look at how to fix the problem but there’s no word yet when the bridge will reopen.
Thousands of vehicles pass over the lift bridge every day and detour routes have been set up. HSR buses are being diverted over the Burlington Skyway.

The last time the lift bridge was closed for cable repairs was in January 2003. Those took three months.

Video: Al Sweeney reports: