Rehabilitation of Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge

April 24th, 2019- Info-work: UPDATE: Temporary Traffic Controls at Burritt’s Rapids Swing Bridge

Parks Canada has completed the project to repair and restore the historic Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge.

The Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge is the oldest structure of its kind crossing the Rideau Canal. The project to rehabilitate the swing bridge included repairs to the structural steel and masonry abutments, as well as the replacement of the timber bridge deck.  Additionally, the bridge was sandblasted and completely repainted. 

These historic investments will mitigate health and safety risks, halt the loss of nationally significant built heritage and stimulate the economy in communities across the country.

About the Burritts Rapids Lock 17 site

Lock 17 is located in the community of Burritts Rapids, in the township of North Grenville.  Largely situated on an island between the Rideau River and Canal, Burritts Rapids was one of the first communities on the Rideau, tracing its roots to 1793 and the arrival of Col. Stephen Burritt.

The canal cut was dug in 1826 and the dirt and clay served as building materials for the earth dams holding back the water of the Rideau Canal from the community site. The swing bridge dates to 1897 and continues to be swung by hand during the navigation season.

Communications

April 18th, 2019- Info-work: Temporary Traffic Controls at Burritt’s Rapids Swing Bridge
December 18, 2018- Community Update: Ongoing Gate Replacements on the Rideau Canal
July 20, 2018- Community Update: Update on Construction
July 05, 2018- Community Update: Update on Construction
June 22, 2018- Community Update: Update on Construction
May 29, 2018- Community Update: Update on Construction
April 18, 2018- Community Update: Update on Construction
January 30, 2018- Community Update: Burritts Swing bridge closure postponed until Feb. 5th
December 22, 2017 - Community Update: Update on Construction
October 30th, 2017 - Community Update: Construction Contract Awarded
September 27, 2017 - Community Update: Bridge Repairs begin this October