Kingston Mills Swing Bridge Rehabilitation

In spring 2017, work completed on the rehabilitation of the Kingston Mills Swing Bridge. Rehabilitation work included repairs to the structural steel and east abutment of the bridge. Signage was installed to improve road safety and deter truck traffic from crossing. In order to ensure its continued structural integrity, the new bridge now has a full highway load rating. Specific studies related to cultural resource management, road safety and cost, supported the direction of this project.   

Parks Canada Investments into the Kingston Mills Site

Kingston Mills rehabilitation began in 2014 and is scheduled to conclude in 2020. Parks Canada is investing nearly $15 million into this historically significant site to ensure its preservation for generations to come. Parks Canada has now completed repairs on the West Earth Dam, historic masonry work on the arch dam, the swing bridge and replaced the fixed bridge at Kingston Mills.  The final phase of the project will include masonry work on Locks 46 to 49 and site renewal to ensure full public enjoyment of Kingston Mills.

About Kingston Mills

In 1784, to support new Loyalist settlers, the British Government built a saw mill and grist mill at what is now known as Kingston Mills. In 1824, plans for locks along the Cataraqui River were developed to accommodate navigation. As the project advanced, a new plan was adopted that would raise the arch dam, reducing the need for locks between Kingston Mills and Lower Brewers Mills. Historically, the dam provided a basin of water required to operate the grist mill located downstream. Presently, it supports a hydro generating facility.

Beyond its historical importance, Kingston Mills, one of 24 lockstations on the Rideau Canal, is a prime example of engineering mastery. The four limestone locks each have a lift of 3.6 metres and utilize manual methods of opening and closing the lock gates – with push bar, swing bar and endless chain mechanisms.

Communications

July 14, 2017 - Info-Work: Kingston Mills Road to Reopen (PDF, 144 KB)
June 30, 2017 - Info-Work: *Amendment* Update on Kingston Mills Road Closure (PDF, 139 KB)
June 15, 2017 - Update on Kingston Mills Road Closure (PDF, 149 KB)
May 12, 2017 - Kingston Mills Road Closure Extended Due to Road Damage from High Water Flows (PDF, 147 KB)
February 14, 2017 - Community Update: Swing and Fixed Bridge Project Update (PDF, 271 KB)
December 12, 2016 - Community Update: Weekend Work on the Swing and Fixed Bridge (PDF - 248 KB)
November 18, 2016 - Update: Swing and Fixed Bridge Repairs (PDF - 374 KB)
September 6th, 2016 -  Update: Kingston Mills Road Closure Will Begin on September 6th, 2016 (PDF - 160 KB)
July 22, 2016 - Update: Kingston Mills Road Closure Will Begin in Early September
June 7, 2016 - Kingston Mills Road Fixed Bridge and Swing Bridge Closures
February 11, 2016 - Infrastructure Work Continues at Kingston Mills (PDF - 105 KB)