Info-Work: Jones Falls Timber Bridge Temporary Closure

Smiths Falls, Ontario, August 28, 2018 – Parks Canada has temporarily closed the Jones Falls Timber Bridge on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. This temporary closure occurs as a result of an engineering inspection of the bridge which identified safety concerns specific to a section of bridge girders. Temporary docks will be installed to reinstate pedestrian access across the waterway on Thursday, August 30th for the duration of the navigation season. Please do not attempt to moor on these docks.

In fall 2018, the Jones Falls Timber Bridge will undergo a replacement. The new bridge will be built to reflect the existing structure and replicate the original bridge elevation. The bridge’s concrete abutments and wing walls will be replaced with reinforced concrete to better support the structure, and a timber deck will also be installed.

This project is part of Parks Canada’s unprecedented $3 billion investment over 5 years to support infrastructure work to heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. These historic investments will mitigate health and safety risks, halt the loss of nationally significant built heritage and stimulate the economy in communities across the country.

For up-to-date news on infrastructure work in this community, please visit our website: www.pc.gc.ca/RCinfrastructure. If you would like to receive updates about Parks Canada’s work at Jones Falls, please e-mail RideauCanal.info@pc.gc.ca and include “Jones Falls” in the subject heading.

Information:
Christie Ulicny
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Ontario Waterways
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 ext. 202
christie.ulicny@pc.gc.ca