Update on Construction

December 22, 2017 – The project to repair and rehabilitate the Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge is underway and area residents can expect to begin seeing additional activity at site in the coming weeks. On December 27th and 28th there will be intermittent closures during the day as the contractor will be taking measurements of the bridge, its components, and the abutments.

Since awarding the contract to HPN engineering, Parks Canada has been working with the contractor to review their plan for the work, their work schedule, and the measures that will be taken to protect the environment during the course of the work.

The plan proposed by the contractor will see a shorter bridge closure than initially anticipated, however, the bridge will still need to be closed for 3-4 months depending on weather and the progress of work. At this time the bridge is forecast to close in late January or early February. As more precise information becomes available closer to the date additional updates will be made and signs will be posted at the work site.

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.

About the Burritts Rapids Lock 17 site

Lock 17 is located in the community of Burritts Rapids, in the township of North Grenville. 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.