Parks Canada to Peterborough Start Multi-Year Project For Earth Dams Rehabilitation and Maria Street Swing Bridge Replacement In Coming Weeks

In the coming weeks, Parks Canada will begin a coordinated, multi-year infrastructure project along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site involving Peterborough Earth Dams and the Maria Street Swing Bridge.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The work includes rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams to improve canal embankment slope stability and erosion protection between Lock 20 and McFarlane Street Bridge, increasing safety along the canal corridor; repairs and maintenance of the Peterborough Lift Lock to address water infiltration; and replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge to support continued safe use and increase its vehicle load carrying capacity while preserving the heritage landscape.

Work within the canal is scheduled outside of the operational season to minimize impacts on navigation. Temporary road closures, detours, and short-term restrictions on pathways, sidewalks and green spaces occur during construction. Parks Canada says they are working closely with the City of Peterborough to coordinate traffic diversions and reduce impacts on emergency services and public transit. Advance public notice will be provided ahead of any major closures or changes.

Regular project updates are provided through a dedicated project webpage and an email subscription list. A public information session is planned for March, with more details (such as construction phases, timelines, and closures) to be shared shortly.

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McFarlane Street Bridge Closed Until Oct. 10 For Redecking

The McFarlane Street Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians for redecking starting Oct. 6 and will continue until 7 p.m. on Oct. 10, according to Parks Canada.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Detour signage has been posted for alternate routes.

Parks Canada recommends to cross at either Hunter Street East, Maria Street or Parkhill Road East during the closure.

Navigation will remain unaffected during this period.

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Parks Canada to Complete Annual Maintenance On Maria Street and Parkhill Road Bridges In April

Parks Canada will complete annual spring maintenance on two bridges in Peterborough on Sunday and April 20, announced on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

These bridges include:

  • Maria Street bridge: Sunday from 6 a.m. to noon

  • Parkhill Road swing bridge: April 20 from 6 a.m. to noon

The bridges will be temporarily closed to all traffic while maintenance is underway. Detour routes will be posted.

Peterborough Transit Route 7 Lansdowne will detour around the Maria Street bridge during the closure, using the Lift Lock tunnel on Sunday. Drivers are asked to use the stop at Hunter and Rogers streets.

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Traffic Interruptions Expected At Kirkfield Lift Lock Until Friday Evening For Repairs

Parks Canada advises the public to expect traffic interruptions at the Kirkfield Lift Lock until Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE KIRKFIELD LIFT LOCK IS LOCATED A FEW KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE VILLAGE OF KIRKFIELD. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA.

A crane will be on-site to support the final repairs at the Kirkfield Lift Lock before the navigation season.

“We expect to be able to maintain both lanes of traffic flow on Kirkfield Road (County Road 6), although traffic controls, including flaggers and signage, will be in place as needed,” according to a press release statement.

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Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Open to Vehicular Traffic; Short Intermittent Closures May Still Occur

Parks Canada has reopened the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge to vehicular traffic announced Friday morning.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Short intermittent closures may still be experienced for commissioning before the start of the navigation season. The intermittent closures will be timed to ensure the least impact on the community. For any closures requiring a longer duration (half-day/full-day closures), notification will be issued with 24-hour notice.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout the construction period. We remain committed to minimizing disruptions while ensuring the safety and functionality of this vital transportation link,” according to a press release statement.

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Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Closed Infrastructure Work Beginning Thursday Afternoon; Will Reopen Friday Evening

Parks Canada advises that the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge will be temporarily closed to the public for infrastructure work from Thursday at 1 p.m. through Friday at 5 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Traffic delays of 15-20 minutes can also be anticipated on Thursday morning.

The public can expect a series of intermittent closures in preparation for the start of the navigation season on May 17. These closures will facilitate the installation of vertical end lifts, which will ensure the bridge seals tightly to the abutments during normal swing operations.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout the construction period. We remain committed to minimizing disruptions while ensuring the safety and functionality of this vital transportation link,” according to a press release statement.

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Partial Lane Closure At Kirkfield Lift Lock For Repairs Scheduled For Tuesday Until Saturday

The Kirkfield Lift Lock (Highway 503) will experience traffic interruptions from a lane closure starting from Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m. according to Parks Canada.

THE KIRKFIELD LIFT LOCK IS LOCATED A FEW KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE VILLAGE OF KIRKFIELD. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA.

The closure facilitates crane access, supporting the Kirkfield Lift Lock Urgent Repair project according to Parks Canada. Traffic controls, including flaggers and signage, will be in place as necessary.

The pedestrian walking path from the south side to the washrooms through the road-level walkway will be unavailable during this period.

While repairs progress, Parks Canada advises boaters that single chamber lockages remain in place, operating on demand and taking approximately 60 minutes per transfer.

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Fifth-Annual Lock & Paddle Hits Peterborough Lift Lock This Saturday

Parks Canada’s fifth-annual Lock & Paddle event is welcoming back paddlers and spectators at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada this Saturday at 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

This year’s theme ‘Lift Your Spirits,’ invites paddlers and attendees to show us what makes them happy! Paddlers get to experience going down the Lift Locks and paddling through the canal. This free all-ages event invites anyone to decorate their vessel, wear a costume or have fun.

To participate, registrants can go apply online.

Beginners or those with accessibility needs can enter the waterway at the Visitor Centre on-site at the event. Canoes can be launched at the following places:

There is no parking available at the Peterborough Lift Lock or Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre (except for vehicles with Handicapped Accessible signage). A paddle craft drop-off option is available at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre.

Parking options nearby

This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event that will happen rain or shine.  

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Parks Canada Invites the Community to Celebrate Canada Day With the Trent-Severn Waterway

This Canada Day, Parks Canada is welcoming visitors to celebrate the natural heritage of Canada on the Trent-Severn Waterway by offering free lockage for recreational boaters on July 1.

photo courtesy of parks canada.

As cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences and supporting tourism in communities across the country.

They say that by encouraging Canadians to visit national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas and providing them with the information and means to enjoy them, Parks Canada enables more Canadians to learn about our shared heritage and experience the outdoors.

To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Visit the Parks Canada website for more details.

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Parks Canada Announces Temporary Closure of Warsaw Road Swing Bridge June 29

Parks Canada advises the public of the temporary closure of the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge on June 29 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

file photo.

This one-day closure of the bridge, located on Parkhill Road East between Armour Road and Television Road, is required for seasonal maintenance purposes.

Members of the public are encouraged to use alternate bridge crossings at Maria Street or Lansdowne Street, where traffic control measures and detour signage will be in place.

Parks Canada is leading this 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 investments in the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough.

For more information on this project, visit the website.

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