The Burritts Rapids Swing Bridge will be opening later this month due to a minor setback. The bridge was expected to be open by now, but the timeline has been pushed back following damage caused during transportation of bridge pieces. Parks Canada External Relations Manager Darryl Whitehead says the damage delayed the project’s completion by a few days.
Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor to expedite the work. In recent weeks the bridge was returned to site and re-assembled, including the top crossing members and floor beams. The wood stringers have been installed and counterweights are starting to be placed. Whitehead says the bridge could be open as early as July 20.
The next step is installing the wood deck. The bridge will need to be balanced to make sure it swings smoothly. A series of test swings could interrupt traffic once the bridge reopens as the contractor makes minor adjustments. Â Â