Parks Canada has announced the reopenings of both the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge in Peterborough and the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge for vehicle and pedestrian use have been delayed until July.
Boater navigation is unaffected by the delays.
The Warsaw Road Swing Bridge, located on Parkhill Road East, is expected to reopen to vehicles and pedestrians in early July. In the interim, local traffic continues to be detoured along alternate routes.
Over the winter months, the steel swing bridge structure was completely replaced, with repairs to concrete abutments and replacement of mechanical and electrical operating systems also completed.
The bridge is also now capable of handling full highway loading. During early July, the contractor will conduct five days of testing of the bridge with a live load. If testing is successful, the bridge will open for vehicle and pedestrian use. Otherwise, the bridge will remain closed until additional hydraulic or mechanical adjustments can be completed..
After the bridge is reopened, some work will continue, including installation of signage and paving. This work may require single-lane closures or short delays without notice. Landscaping will take place in the fall.
The Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge, located on Main Street at Canal Street, will reopen by the end of July for vehicle use. A temporary measure will be installed to complete bridge swings, which will operate slower than normal and may result in delays.
For pedestrians, access will be provided across the lock gates. A temporary pedestrian bridge has been removed. An enhanced crossing including wheelchair access ramps will be available in mid-June.
Areas on the lock station grounds currently gated due to construction will remain so until construction is completed. Safe access to the lower north island mooring area will be provided (follow the onsite signage).
The bridge’s steel superstructure and concrete foundations have been rehabilitated, with mechanical and electrical operating systems replaced. The steel deck is being replaced with a new wooden deck in keeping with the original heritage structure.
The project was not completed in May as originally scheduled because of delays with the fabrication and delivery of hydraulic and mechanical components. As well, some components of the bridge were in worse condition than originally anticipated.
