Hamilton-Burlington lift bridge contract awarded to Mississauga companies for $21 million

The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge that passes through the Hamilton Harbour will undergo significant upgrades and repairs next year, and Thursday the federal government announced that the construction management contract has been awarded.

The chosen bid went to EllisDon Civil Ltd. and Chant Limited for $21 million. The companies, located in Mississauga, will jointly take on the project.

Work on the bridge is scheduled to begin in Winter 2023 and includes a bridge deck replacement, approach spans restoration, and the widening of the sidewalk to allow more space for pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.

The project is also expected to extend and maximize the life of the bridge deck, sidewalk, and approaches.

“The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is an important asset for the community,” said Hamilton MP and Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Filomena Tassi. “This contract award for the construction work on the bridge is another important step to extend the life of the bridge and ensure that it continues to serve both local and national transportation needs.”

“Improvements to the bridge will ensure the safety of bridge users for decades to come.”

Construction will take place during the bridge’s annual winter shutdown for maintenance and repairs, in order to minimize disruptions. The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2024.

The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge currently carries four lanes of traffic along Eastport Dr. in Hamilton. On average, approximately 25,000 vehicles cross each day.

Built in 1962, the 381-foot-long bridge is the sixth to span the Burlington Canal since 1830. The bridge allows vessels to enter and exit from Hamilton Harbour into Lake Ontario. It does not lift during the winter months, from January to March.