Bridge Repairs to begin this October

September 27, 2017 – Parks Canada will be moving forward with our project to repair and restore the Burritts Rapids swing bridge this fall. As part of this work it will be necessary to close the bridge crossing to vehicular traffic throughout construction. Based on current estimates construction is targeted to begin on October 16th, 2017 and continue until Spring 2018. Additional notice will be provided closer to the date and road closure signs will be posted when the bridge is no longer open to traffic.

While the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, a temporary pedestrian crossing will be put in place in order to facilitate access for the community. A small parking area will also be maintained 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. An additional crossing can be found upstream using Andrewsville Rd at the Upper Nicholsons Locks, however this crossing has a load and height restriction.

The Burritts Rapids swing bridge is the oldest structure of its kind crossing the Rideau Canal. This project will include repairs to the structural steel and masonry abutments as well as the replacement of the timber bridge deck. Additionally, the bridge will be sandblasted and completely repainted.

Parks Canada would like to thank the active community of Burritts Rapids for its participation and feedback in the preparation for this work and for their 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.