Community Update: Update on Construction

 Portion of the newly repaired bridge

June 22, 2018 – Parks Canada’s project to repair the Burritts Rapids swing bridge achieved an important milestone this week as the bridge parts were returned to Burritts Rapids and re-assembly got underway.

The project is now its final stages and could be open to traffic within 1-2 weeks. Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor to expedite the work and to minimize negative impacts to the public.

In recent weeks the work to repair and paint the bridge pieces and mechanical components was completed. The bridge components onsite were also treated and painted. The floor beams and cross bracing was assembled and the trusses have been fixed to the support structure.

Once the bridge is lifted into place, work will begin to install the wood elements of the bridge 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.

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.