Community Update: Work on the Swing Bridge to Continue into September

 Centre Balance Wheel Track 

July 4, 2018 – Work on the Glen Ross Lock 7 and Swing Bridge Rehabilitation project has been ongoing since early December 2017. While progress has been made on both the bridge and concrete work, the project remains behind schedule resulting in an extension of the planned bridge closure. A road reopening date is now estimated for early September. More information will be provided to the public as we near closer to project completion.

In an updated schedule provided to Parks Canada, the contractor has identified the late arrival of essential bridge components such as the pivot girder and bridge control panel as reasons for the extended closure of Glen Ross Swing Bridge. The pivot girder is the main beam that supports the bridge and the control panel allows for the mechanical operation of the bridge; both are essential for the operation of the bridge.

While awaiting the final bridge components, the contractor continues to complete concrete work on the bridge abutment. The new bridge operator platform walls were placed last week, along with the east andwest rest walls. The bases of the north and south bridge abutments have been installed. Once the bridge is back on its pivot, the contractor will be able to determine the final elevations for the north and south abutment caps. This week, concrete for the hydraulic trenches will be placed.

 Bridge Operator Platform Formwork

The centre balance wheel track – the pedestal where the centre of the bridge will pivot – has had the rail and support plates installed. The contractor is awaiting the arrival of the span drive cylinders – hydraulic components that drive the bridge through its rotations. Once the remaining components are installed on the bridge, it can be moved back into position on its pivot and the remaining electrical components connected before commissioning.

Work on Glen Ross Lock 7 and Swing Bridge is extending the life of these important assets for decades to come. Bridges such as this must be repaired periodically to ensure their operability and safety for the public. Once completed, the bridge will have a full highway load rating, which will offer long-term benefits to the citizens of Quinte West.

Parks Canada would like to thank the community for their continued patience as we complete this important infrastructure project. 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.

For More Information: 

For up-to-date news about Parks Canada infrastructure work in this area, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/TSWQuinteWest. If you have any questions about the Glen Ross Swing Bridge, or if you would like to receive email updates about this project, please email us at: Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Glen Ross Swing Bridge” in the subject heading.