Temporary LaSalle Causeway bridge to be installed by end of September

KINGSTON, ONT. –  A temporary modular bridge for the troubled LaSalle Causeway project in Kingston, Ont. has been delivered and assembled.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) recently provided an update on the progress that has been made on the complex project.

The LaSalle Causeway has been fully closed since early April. On March 30, part of the Bascule Bridge was damaged during a construction project to rehabilitate certain components. A diagonal steel truss element that supports the counterweight was damaged and required a complex repair.

Further analysis found key elements of structure were considerably displaced and misaligned, which could significantly reduce the life of the bridge.

Following discussions with the City of Kingston, PSPC decided to demolish and remove the entire structure of the bridge.

Priestly Demolition Inc. was awarded a $1.7 million contract for the immediate demolition and removal of the bridge structure in June. Then it was decided installing a temporary modular bridge will allow vehicle crossings until the construction of a permanent, replacement bridge is complete.

According to a video on the project website, to ensure the stability and reliability of the temporary bridge, extensive preparation was required on the approaches, including load testing and modifications to the existing bearing seats to support the new structure.

The modular bridge was assembled with components sourced from various locations, which were specifically chosen to meet the unique requirements of the temporary installation.

Crews are now preparing for the installation process which will require the team to close the main marine navigation channel, beginning on Sept. 19. The temporary bridge is expected to open to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians on Sept. 30.

In order to allow marine access, the bridge will be temporarily removed to open the main marine navigation channel twice this fall on Oct. 15 and Nov. 16, during which time there will be unrestricted access for marine traffic.