Supply chain delays see Lower Brewers Swing Bridge closed through fall 2023

The Lower Brewers Swing Bridge has been closed to traffic since August 2021, after assessments of the condition of the bridge indicated that the bridge needed to be closed immediately for public safety. According to Parks Canada, the reconstruction has encountered supply chain delays relating to large timber delivery.

The federal agency said that these delays are expected to shift the completion and reopening of the bridge to vehicles into approximately fall 2023.

“There will be no impacts on boat travel during the 2023 navigation season; however, the bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic during the remainder of the project,” Parks Canada said in a media release delivered by the City of Kingston.

“Please note that while every reasonable effort is being made to adhere to planned schedules and minimize impacts on residents and visitors, all construction projects are currently subject to supply chain constraints that are beyond the project team’s control, which may result in delays to the project’s completion. We thank area residents and visitors for their patience and understanding.”

The Lower Brewers Swing Bridge replacement project is part of the Government of Canada’s Federal Infrastructure Investment program. According to the release, Parks Canada is leading this important infrastructure work to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas, including along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

For questions or concerns or to receive email updates regarding this project, get in touch with Parks Canada at [email protected] and include “Lower Brewers Swing Bridge Project Update” in the subject heading. For news and Questions and Answers on this project and others along the Rideau Canal, please visit: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/visit/infrastructure