LaSalle Causeway: Removing the Bascule Bridge and installing a modular bridge
September 26, 2024: LaSalle Causeway: Modular bridge update
Find out more about the installation of a modular bridge to restore land traffic after the demolition and removal of the Bascule Bridge on the LaSalle Causeway.
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Project overview
- Location
Kingston, Ontario
- Lead department
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Project status
- Modular bridge has been operational since October 3, 2024, following completion of its installation
- Design-build contractor
- Priestly Demolition Inc.
- Next steps
- Scheduled removal and reinstallation cycles of the modular bridge to allow marine traffic to travel through the main navigation channel
Project description
Demolition and removal
The LaSalle Causeway’s century-old Bascule Bridge was damaged during repair work in the spring of 2024. Our analysis showed that key elements of the bridge structure were significantly damaged and unrepairable.
It was necessary to demolish and remove the bridge entirely. Contractors used cranes, torch-cutting equipment and excavators. We placed a large barge under the bridge to act as a work platform and to catch debris.
We finished removing the structure over the navigation channel on June 20, after which marine traffic was able to resume travel through the main navigation channel.
All elements of the Bascule Bridge were removed, including the:
- lift span
- counterweight truss and counterweight
- trunnions and pins
- support tower and related services
- mechanical, electrical and related components
Installing a modular bridge
We installed a modular bridge where the previous Bascule Bridge used to be. It allows vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the causeway.
The modular bridge is a 2-lane pre-fabricated truss bridge. It accommodates legal, unrestricted vehicle traffic and includes a separate sidewalk. The bridge sits on the existing abutments of the previous Bascule Bridge.
The design of the modular bridge allows us to remove and reinstall it periodically to allow marine traffic to travel through the main navigation channel.
Bridge opening date
The installation of the modular bridge began on September 19, 2024, and was completed around noon on October 3, 2024. During this period, the causeway was closed to vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and marine traffic.
How the modular bridge moves
We use a hydraulic system mounted onto a floating barge to remove and reinstall the modular bridge.
It takes about 3 hours to remove the bridge, and then about 3 hours to reinstall it.
Opening the channel for marine traffic
Beginning on September 19, 2024, the main navigation channel was closed to marine traffic.
The channel reopens to marine traffic on specific dates when we remove and reinstall the modular bridge. The channel opens to marine traffic from about noon to 9 pm. Scheduled dates include:
- October 15, 2024
- November 16, 2024
- Dates for 2025 are being established
Favourable marine conditions are required for the removal and reinstallation of the modular bridge. Should unfavourable marine conditions, such as moderate to high winds, be forecasted or observed on this day, the work will be postponed. We will work with the City of Kingston and community stakeholders to communicate any schedule changes.
Closing the causeway to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians
Each time we remove the bridge for marine traffic to pass, we close the causeway to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
The LaSalle Causeway closes from 9 am to midnight. Scheduled dates include:
- October 15, 2024
- November 16, 2024
- Dates for 2025 are being established
Lifecycle of the modular bridge
The modular bridge is expected to be in place until the construction of the permanent replacement bridge.
Stakeholders
During the various phases of this project, the team consulted with several stakeholders directly affected by the project. Stakeholders include:
- the City of Kingston
- local marine-based businesses
- downtown business associations
- local First Nations
- authorities having federal jurisdiction:
- Transport Canada
- Parks Canada
Key milestones
- June 6, 2024: demolition and removal activities began
- June 20, 2024: marine channel reopened
- July 19, 2024: demolition substantially completed
- August 20 to September 4, 2024: Transport Canada consultation period took place, via the Navigation Protection Program Registry, for the modular bridge and the 2024 openings of the main navigation channel
- September 19, 2024: installation of modular bridge began; main marine navigation channel closed
- October 3, 2024: modular bridge to open to traffic
- October 15, 2024: modular bridge removed, and main navigation channel open to marine traffic for the day
- November 16, 2024: modular bridge to be removed, and main navigation channel to be open to marine traffic between noon and 9 pm
- Spring 2025: 2025 navigation season access windows begin
Photo gallery
Video: The modular bridge installation
Watch this video to learn about the progress made in the assembly and delivery of the modular bridge.
Transcript: LaSalle Causeway - Update on the Temporary Modular Bridge Installation
Start of video
[Music plays]
(Text on screen: Public Services and Procurement Canada)
Public Services and Procurement Canada is pleased to provide an update on the LaSalle Causeway project.
[Shot of the old LaSalle Causeway bridge while being taking down in Kinston, Ontario.]
(Text on screen: Update on the LaSalle Causeway Project.)
We’re excited to report that significant progress has been made on this highly complex project.
(Text on screen: Voice of Stefan Dery, Director General of Infrastructure Asset Management / Public Services and Procurement Canada)
A temporary modular bridge has been delivered and assembled. To ensure its stability and reliability, extensive preparation was required on the approaches, including load testing and modifications to the existing bearing seats to support the new structure.
[Shot of the temporary bridge assembled and on dry land beside the water opening.]
[Shot of two workers working on part of the cement base.]
[Shot of three workers installing rebar on the cement wall and another worker welding in a corner section.]
The modular bridge was carefully assembled with parts sourced from various locations. These components were specifically chosen to meet the unique requirements of this temporary installation.
[Shot of a worker on a scaffold working on the side of the bridge.]
[Wide panning shot of the assembled bridge on dry land and workers are working on different area’s of the bridge.]
[Top view shot of the assembled bridge on dry land.]
Crews are now preparing to install the structure.
[Top view shot of three workers installing rebar on the cement wall.]
The installation process will require us to close the main marine navigation channel, beginning on September 19th.
[Top view shot of the open causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the right.]
We anticipate the temporary bridge will be open for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians on September 30th.
[Top view shot of the open causeway.]
In order to allow marine access, the bridge will be temporarily removed to open the main marine navigation channel twice this fall: once on October 15th and again on November 16th.
[Shot of the open causeway.]
[Shot of a pontoon boat passing through the causeway.]
During these scheduled openings there will be unrestricted access for marine traffic. Public notices will be issued in advance.
[Shot of a boat marina with parked boats and sailboats.]
[Shot of a sailboat entering the causeway.]
[Shot of a marine boat passing through the causeway.]
Looking ahead, we will soon begin consultations with the city and stakeholders to determine the frequency and schedule for marine access during the 2025 navigation season and beyond, including the intent to allow access in early May 2025, for the start of the marine season. These discussions will help ensure we find a path forward that meets the needs of all Kingstonians.
[Top view shot of the open causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the left.]
[A closer top view shot of the open causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the left.]
[Shot of a marine boat passing through the causeway.]
[Shot of a ferry boat passing outside the causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the left.]
The temporary bridge will remain in place until the construction of a permanent replacement bridge is completed.
[Shot of the temporary bridge assembled.]
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to improve and enhance the Lasalle Causeway for the benefit of the City of Kingston, its citizens and visitors, and the marine community.
[Shot of a sailboat sailing through the causeway.]
For more information about the bridge installation and future updates on the Lasalle Causeway, please visit our project webpage.
[Shot of a laptop on a tabletop with the Public Services and Procurement Canada's (PSPC) web page of the LaSalle Causeway on screen]
(Text on screen: More information: LaSalle Causeway - Canada.ca)
(Text on screen: Check us out: facebook.com/PSPC.SPAC, instagram.com/pspc_spac, twitter.com/pspc_spac, youtube.com/PSPC_SPAC)
(Text on screen ISBN 978-0-660-73574-0, Catalogue P4-152/2024E-MP4)
[Music stops]
(Public Services and Procurement Canada signature)
(Canada Wordmark)
End of video
Project background
On March 30, 2024, part of the Bascule Bridge was damaged during a construction project to rehabilitate certain components. A diagonal steel truss element that supports the counterweight was compromised. No one was injured or harmed because of the incident.
However, the damage to the diagonal element was extensive and required a complex repair. A team of specialized engineers and contractors began working on repairs.
Analysis showed that key elements of the bridge structure were considerably displaced and misaligned. This would significantly reduce the life of the bridge.
Following discussions with the City of Kingston, we decided to demolish and remove the entire structure of the bridge. We immediately proceeded with a limited tendering process and put a contract in place.
Information for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and marine traffic
Causeway access for land traffic
The LaSalle Causeway is open to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The causeway will close on scheduled dates to open to marine traffic.
Channel access for marine traffic
The channel is closed for marine navigation as of October 3, 2024. It reopens to marine traffic on scheduled dates.
Public notices
We will issue public notices about the closures and access in advance. Follow us on social media to keep up to date on bridge closures and channel openings.
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