Community Update: Update on Construction

 

July 5, 2018 – The project to repair the Burritts Rapids swing bridge remains in its final stages, however it has experienced a minor setback that has impacted the contractor’s schedule. During the process of moving bridge back to site some of the protective coating on the steel was damaged. As this protective coating is essential to maintaining the long life of the bridge, the damage will need to be repaired.

The revised schedule would see the bridge open to traffic in late July. Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor to expedite the work and to minimize negative impacts to the public.
In recent weeks the bridge was returned to site and largely re-assembled including the top crossing members and floor beams. Wood stringers have been installed and counterweights have begun to be placed.

Next, the contractor will be completing repairs to the protective coating as well as installing the wood deck.

When the bridge is fully re-assembled, it will then be balanced to ensure that it swings smoothly. Following a series of test swings, the bridge will then enter into the commissioning stage at which time it will be opened to vehicular traffic.

During the commissioning phase, vehicles may experience intermittent closures as the contractor makes minor adjustments.

The temporary pedestrian crossing will remain in place until the bridge is able to be used. With school now out for the summer and boat traffic picking up, the bridge will now be in place for pedestrian use outside of Rideau Canal operating hours and otherwise available for use on demand.

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.