It’s summer, and that means construction season is underway in Northumberland County. While infrastructure work may not be “glamorous,” Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander says it’s an essential investment in the county’s future.
Northumberland County is currently advancing several key projects, from bridge replacements and road rehabilitation and improvements to intersections to the expansion of affordable housing.
“These investments are about more than concrete and asphalt — they’re about building a community that works for everyone, now and into the future,” Ostrander told kawarthaNOW.
“The instigation of these projects really stems from a long-standing recognition that we can’t afford to wait for perfect conditions to invest in our future,” the warden explained.
“While provincial and federal support is always welcome, and often essential for larger-scale initiatives, we’ve had to be proactive and strategic with the resources we do have. That means planning ahead, building strong partnerships with our local municipalities, and making tough decisions to prioritize the projects that will have the greatest long-term impact.”
The current construction activity signifies a commitment to building a stronger and more resilient community, the county noted in a media release.
“Each of these projects reflects our ongoing efforts to modernize and maintain critical infrastructure, support housing needs, and improve safety for all road users,” said Denise Marshall, Northumberland County’s director of public works. “We’re building with intention — creating the conditions for sustainable growth and enhanced quality of life across Northumberland.”
Ostrander said these projects represent years of planning, advocacy, and community input.
The major projects underway are listed below.
Elgin Park Redevelopment in Cobourg
Phase two of the Elgin Park affordable housing development has been approved for occupancy, providing another 20 units of subsidized and market rental housing to support the broader goal of adding 900 new affordable housing units to the community between 2019 and 2029.
Trent River Crossing in Campbellford
This once-in-a-generation infrastructure project will deliver a vital second crossing over the Trent River, the county said. “Now approaching 100 per cent design completion, the project is expected to unlock economic growth and improve connectivity for Northumberland.” Property acquisition and utility relocation are underway.
County Road 64/Prince Edward Street in Brighton
Entering its second year, this multi-year reconstruction delivered in partnership with the Municipality of Brighton will strengthen core infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and support community growth, the county said. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.
Welcome Intersection in Port Hope
Construction begins in July on improvements to the intersection of County Road 2, County Road 10, and County Road 74. “This project will improve safety at a complex intersection that studies have shown may contribute to driver confusion,” the county said.
Burnley Bridge Replacement in Cramahe Township
Originally built in 1950, the Burnley bridge on County Road 29 is being replaced to meet modern safety and transportation standards. The bridge will be closed to all traffic from July 11 through to November 2025, with local detours in place. “This essential project will maintain a vital north-south link for local residents,” the county said.
Other projects include culvert rehabilitation near Warkworth, retaining wall repairs in Baltimore, ongoing preventative bridge maintenance in Trent Hills, and preventative raod maintenance including 10 kilometres of micro-surfacing across County Roads 9, 22, and 74 in Hamilton and Alnwick/Haldimand, 15 kilometres of crack sealing in Hamilton, Alnwick/Haldimand, and Brighton, and 20 kilometres of surface treatment of various county roads.
“This infrastructure might not always be the most visible or glamorous part of local government, but it’s the backbone of everything we do,” Ostrander said.
“Whether it’s getting to work safely, accessing housing, or supporting local businesses, this work touches every part of daily life. These investments are about more than concrete and asphalt — they’re about building a community that works for everyone, now and into the future.”
Residents can learn more about planned construction and roadwork by visiting northumberland.ca/roads, where an interactive map is also available to explore updates and locations of ongoing and upcoming work.
