Burlington Canal Lift Bridge: Bridge deck replacement project

Find out about the deck replacement project for the existing Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

Project overview

Project description

About the bridge

The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge provides access to thousands of motorists and pedestrians entering Hamilton Harbour.

Replacement project

This project involved replacing the existing bridge deck. The 3 main objectives for this project are described below:

• to replace the lift span deck
• to rehabilitate the approach spans
• to widen sections of the sidewalk, in order to provide sufficient width for pedestrians and cyclists to both pass safely

It is anticipated that this project will extend the life of key components of the bridge by approximately:

• 50 years for the deck and sidewalk
• 30 years for the approaches

This project will improve the overall operations of the bridge, extend its lifespan and ensure the continued safety of bridge users.

The design and engineering tender was posted on buyandsell.gc.ca in early November 2021 and closed on December 21, 2021. The design and engineering contract was awarded to AECOM Canada Ltd. on January 21, 2022.

The construction management tender was posted on buyandsell.gc.ca on April 12, 2022, and closed on June 3, 2022. The construction management contract was awarded to EllisDon Civil Ltd. and Chant Ltd., in joint venture, on June 21, 2022.

Project phases

The 2 phases of this project are described below.

Phase 1: Removing and replacing the existing bridge deck

Phase 1 of the project included replacing the lift span deck.

This work began during the winter 2022 to 2023 seasonal shutdown (late December 2022 to March 2023) and continued through the rest of 2023.

Work accelerated during the winter 2024 seasonal shutdown (January to March 2024) and was completed in time to reopen for marine navigation.

A bridge closure was required from January to March 2024 to complete phase 1 of the project, replacing the lift span deck, and to begin phase 2, rehabilitating the approach spans. During this time, the bridge was closed to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Phase 2: Rehabilitating the bridge approach spans and widening localized sections of the sidewalk

Phase 2 of the project included rehabilitating the approach spans.

This work began during the winter 2024 seasonal shutdown (January to March 2024) and will continue into fall 2024.

Once the concrete decks were removed, we rehabilitated the existing structural steel.

One lane remained open for alternating traffic until completion. During this period:

• marine users were able to navigate through the canal as the bridge was fully operational
• motorists encountered 1 lane open in alternating directions
• cyclists and pedestrians were able to cross the bridge using the existing sidewalk on the west side of the lift span and approaches

Public notices about the closures will be issued in advance and shared through our social media channels. This will ensure that the public is aware of each closure and its impact on local traffic. The same information will be distributed to stakeholders for further broadcasting.

Photo gallery

Phase 1—The west side of the lift span deck is being replaced on the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

Phase 1—The decking on the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is being bolted down and the vehicular barrier is being installed. 

Phase 2—Asphalt is being removed to prepare for demolition on the south approach of the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

Key milestones

• January 2020: start project preplanning and stakeholder consultations
• January 2022: award design and engineering contract
• June 2022: award construction management contract
• Winter 2023: start construction for phase 1
• Winter 2024: complete construction for phase 1 and start construction for phase 2
• Fall 2024: complete construction for phase 2
• Fall 2024: complete project

Project background

Engaging with stakeholders

In early 2020, we started work on a concept design to replace the bridge deck. While developing the preliminary design, we advised and consulted with the key stakeholders affected by the project:

• Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• Cities of Hamilton and Burlington
• Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority

We ensured that stakeholders were regularly consulted throughout the planning process.

Initial meetings with stakeholders were held in May and July 2021.

Latest news about this project

July 7, 2022: Government of Canada awards construction management contract for Burlington Canal Lift Bridge deck replacement

Related links

• Burlington Canal Lift Bridge
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Burlington Canal Lift Bridge