Parks Canada has announced it is beginning work on a multi-year infrastructure project along the Trent-Severn Waterway in Peterborough that includes rehabilitation of earth dams along the canal, sealing of leaks in the Peterborough Lift Lock, and the complete replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge.
Mobilization for the project began on Thursday (February 19), but no closures are expected during the initial phase. Work will be scheduled outside of the canal’s operational season to minimize impacts on boat navigation.
The earth dam rehabilitation will take place between Lock 20 – Ashburnham to the McFarlane Street Bridge north of the Peterborough Lift Lock, and follows earlier work completed from 2015 through 2019. According to Parks Canada, the canal banks are experiencing erosion and instability, with past protection measures failing and creating safety hazards. Rehabilitation will stabilize the canal banks, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of the dams by 75 years or longer.
As for the Peterborough Lift Lock, Parks Canada says the historic structure is experiencing water leakage into its interior spaces, putting sensitive mechanical and electrical systems at risk. Repairs will seal the leaks and ensure its continued safe operation.
Some sections of the canal banks and pathways may be closed temporarily during construction for safety reasons, and some interruptions for boaters may be required during construction. Parks Canada says it will provide advance notice of any closures.
Meanwhile, Parks Canada says the 61-year-old Maria Street Swing Bridge is due for a complete replacement. While interim repairs have been made to maintain traffic, key components are too deteriorated for long-term rehabilitation.
The new bridge will have the same two-lane and single-sidewalk structure and will closely resemble the existing bridge. However, the replacement bridge will be constructed of modern-grade steel that will result in an increased load rating, meaning the current load limitation posting will be removed.
The existing bridge will require intermittent closures during inspections, and a longer-term closure during the installation of the new structure, with the closures planned between 2026 and 2028. Advance notice will be given of any closures. In-water work will take place only during the winter months, so boating will not be affected during the navigation season.
Detours will be in place for vehicular traffic, as well as for pedestrians and cyclists, during the closures. When closures are in effect, drivers will require extra travel time, as delays may occur along detour routes.
Parks Canada says it is working closely with the construction contractor and the City of Peterborough to minimize disruption, including coordinating emergency access routes, scheduling around other municipal projects, and securing necessary road closure approvals.
While the project schedule and timeline is still being refined and will depend on factors including weather, temperature, and material availability and procurement, Parks Canada says the public can expect the project to take three to four years to complete.
Parks Canada says it will provide regular project updates through a dedicated project webpage and an email subscription list. A public information session is planned for March, and more details about the construction phases, timelines, and closures will be provided.
