The federal government is breathing new life into the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Minister Filomena Tassi announced on July 7 that the department had awarded a contract worth more than $21 million to a joint venture between EllisDon Civil Ltd. and Mississauga’s Chant Limited to manage the construction of the bridge deck replacement.

The scope of work sees the companies replace the lift span's bridge deck, restore the approach spans and widen sections of the sidewalk to allow more space for pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely and to improve traffic flow.

The changes will improve the overall operations of the bridge, ensuring the safety of bridge users for years to come. They will also extend and maximize the life of the bridge deck, sidewalk and approaches.

The bridge deck will be replaced during the bridge's annual winter shutdown – in early 2023 – and will take approximately three months to complete. During that time, it will be inoperable and closed to all marine users, vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The waterway is also closed to ships during that time, so the bridge is not required to rise.

The rehabilitation of the bridge approaches and sidewalk-widening will follow the deck replacement. During this period, the bridge will be operational with no impact to marine users.

The project is expected to be completed by fall 2024.

"The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is an important asset for the community,” said Tassi. “This contract award 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."

The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge currently carries four lanes of traffic along Eastport Drive, and is used by about 25,000 vehicles each day, and nearly 3,000 pedestrians and cyclists during peak season.

In February, the federal government awarded a design and engineering contract worth nearly $2 million to AECOM Canada Ltd. to develop the design for the new bridge.