Third Crossing main span girders begin arriving in Kingston

This week the first shipment of steel girders for the main span of the Third Crossing project will arrive in Kingston. The City says the main span will be a significant feature of the bridge that will have two lookout spots for residents to enjoy the views of the Cataraqui River.

“I’m excited to see the arrival of this architectural feature. As these steel girders are installed, we’ll really begin to get a sense of what this bridge will be,” says Mayor Paterson. “I’m so pleased with the team’s progress on this historic project. Every milestone is one step closer to a more convenient and connected Kingston.”

According to a release from the City, dated Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, each of the four main-span girders is made up of 12 separate pieces that will be placed together in stages when they arrive at the site. The main span portion of the Third Crossing is located close to the east shore and will be situated over the navigation channel in the Cataraqui River. In all, 48 steel girders will be used to construct the main span with this portion of the work anticipated to be completed in the summer, the City said in the release.

“This is another significant part of the overall bridge construction that the project team is looking forward to getting started. With the arrival of the main span steel girders over the next number of months, the progress on the bridge is going to really start taking shape. We’ll all be able to see and appreciate the main span portion of the bridge that will connect to the approach spans on both the east and west sides of the bridge,” says Mark Van Buren, Deputy Commissioner, Major Projects. 

Minor traffic delays are anticipated with the steel girder deliveries. Trucks are expected to arrive at the east shore twice a week in the early afternoon over the next few months.

On Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 the first concrete girders arrived to begin construction of the bridge deck. The concrete girders will still be arriving over the next few months, with short delays expected at the corner of Sir John A. MacDonald and John Counter Boulevard about twice a week.

The City says there is a comprehensive transportation plan laid out for the delivery of each girder that is guided by a permit from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

For more information about the arrival of the girders visit the project website https://thirdcrossing.cityofkingston.ca.