Update – closure extended: Brass Point bridges to be closed for most of November 2023
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include details on an extension of the original closure. The article was originally published on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Please see bottom of article for most recently updated information.
Parks Canada is advising the public of an upcoming bridge closure at the Brass Point Swing and Fixed Bridges along the Rideau Canal near Seeley’s Bay, for most of the month of November.
According to a release from Parks Canada, the closure is expected to be from Monday, Nov. 6, to Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, inclusive. The bridges will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians, and detours will be in place for the closure.
“This historically significant bridge is the last remaining bridge of its kind (multi-span with a swing bridge) on the Rideau Canal,” Parks Canada stated. “Originally built in 1887, the wooden spans were replaced with steel spans in 1903, and new cribbing was installed in 1978. Since then, the bridges have faithfully served the community and the boating public but are now in need of repair to ensure continued safe operation.”
Parks Canada would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while they undertake this important work.
For more information about the Rideau Canal, visit https://parks.canada.ca/rideau or follow the Rideau Canal National Historic Site on X (formerly Twitter) @RideauCanalNHS.
Update (Friday, Nov. 24, 2023):
Parks Canada is extending the closure at the Brass Point Swing and Fixed Bridges through to Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at 4 p.m.
Originally slated to reopen on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, the extension is required to raise and shim the swing bridge’s center support as well as the completion of bridge balancing, decking and site clean-up, according to an update from Parks Canada. The bridges will remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians, and detours will remain in place for the extension of the closure.
As above, Parks Canada continues to thank the public for their patience and understanding while they “undertake this important work.”
For more information about the Rideau Canal, visit https://parks.canada.ca/rideau or follow the Rideau Canal National Historic Site on X (formerly Twitter) @RideauCanalNHS.