Temporary Measures in Place at Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

May 27, 2021, Peterborough, ON – As previously communicated on May 7, the completion of the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge project has been delayed due to a variety of factors. 

In preparation for the summer operational season of the Trent-Severn Waterway, Parks Canada is working with the contractor to put in place temporary and interim measures to allow for pedestrian, boater and vehicular use of the site and bridge in Bobcaygeon.

Vehicular Use of the Bridge

Vehicular use of the Bobcaygeon Bridge will commence the end of July, with a temporary measure in place to complete bridge swings.  Please be advised that the bridge is anticipated to operate slower than normal under this temporary measure.  To ease congestion and avoid delays, it is strongly recommended that the current detour route be utilized if possible.

Navigation

The lock will be fully functional and the current pedestrian bridge will be removed in time for the opening of navigation.  There will be no impacts to navigation associated with the continuing bridge work throughout the season. 

Pedestrian access

Pedestrian access will be provided across the lock gates.

The current, temporary pedestrian bridge will be removed and will not be available as of May 27, 2021.  An enhanced crossing with wheelchair access ramps will be available in mid-June.

Lock station grounds

Areas currently gated due to construction will remain so until construction is completed. Safe access to the lower north island mooring area will be provided – please see onsite signage.

Parks Canada is thankful for your patience and understanding during this delay. 

The Government of Canada is investing over $615 million to support infrastructure work on the Trent-Severn Waterway as part of the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada.

To learn more about Parks Canada’s infrastructure work, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/tswInfrastructure, or contact pc.trentsevern.pc@canada.ca.

Background

Parks Canada released information on May 7 stating that the completion of the project to rehabilitate the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge would not be completed that month as originally scheduled. This was due in part to delays associated with the fabrication and delivery of hydraulic and mechanical components, as well as some components of the bridge being in worse condition than originally anticipated.

The overall project includes rehabilitation of the steel superstructure and the concrete foundations, as well as replacement of mechanical and electrical operating systems. Finally, the steel deck is being replaced with a new wooden deck. A wooden deck is in keeping with the original heritage structure, and will also facilitate the community’s ability to host parades featuring livestock.