Progress update provided by Third Crossing Team
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, the Third Crossing team updated City Council on work completed since June 2020, including design activities, permit and approval activity, communication and public engagement and on-site construction work.
Highlights of the update were released in a newsletter dated Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 and are as follows:
Local Project Benefits
According to the newsletter, the Third Crossing Team has been working with local unions, labourers on the job and are purchasing local materials where possible to ensure they are supporting the local economy. Realizing local benefits at every step of constructing the bridge is a key goal of this project.
Extended Work Hours on East and West Shores
As we head into the fall and the winter, in-water construction will continue to be a major focus, the Team said in the newsletter. This summer, the team started extended working hours, Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., to support ongoing work to build the pier foundations for the bridge.
Moving into fall and winter, these extended work hours will continue. Additional limited low-noise activities will continue from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and a five-person crew will be on-site preparing work for construction the following day. This work will not include loud construction activity such as drilling operations.
The team wishes to thank the public for their ongoing patience as this construction work continues. For more information about the construction or mitigation measures, visit the Construction section of the website: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/web/third-crossing/construction/about-construction.
Point St Mark Drive and Gore Rd Intersection Engagement and Next Steps
The Third Crossing Team have been receiving, reading and tracking all comments received through the survey issued in August, as well as comments/questions received through email. According to the newsletter, these comments have been reviewed by the technical team and have been categorized into the following themes: vehicle access and road design, right-out only, safety, cycling / pedestrian / transit, environment, and other.
To review responses and considerations, please find a document on the website entitled “Comments Point St. Mark Dr and Gore Rd engagement” update Sept. 17, 2020″: https://thirdcrossing.cityofkingston.ca/engagement/detailed-design
The Third Crossing Team have connected with emergency service providers about the direction for designing the intersection as a right-turn-out-only onto Gore Road. According to the newsletter, a final designs is being prepared and, later this fall, the Team will use the City’s Get Involved engagement platform to present the final design of the intersection, including vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure for your feedback.
Major Work Activity – temporary bridge over the navigation channel (lift span)
The Third Crossing Team announced that the building of the temporary bridge over the navigation channel is proceeding on schedule. According to the newsletter, it will be in active use later this fall. This temporary bridge will move up and down to allow boats to pass underneath. More information about the temporary bridge can be found on the website: https://thirdcrossing.cityofkingston.ca/construction/in-water-work
About the Third Crossing Bridge
Once completed, the new 1.2 km bridge will connect the east and west sides of Kingston over the Cataraqui River. The two-lane bridge will improve emergency services, increase active transportation through a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway, create greater business connectivity and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Kingston. The bridge is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Kingston.
For the full report, visit the City of Kingston’s webpage: ‘Project Engagement’ https://www.cityofkingston.ca/web/third-crossing/engagement/past-engagement.