Construction will close Burlington Canal lift bridge until March

Heads up commuters: major maintenance work will close the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge for almost three months.

The federal government, which owns the lift bridge, has announced pending construction will close the canal-crossing span to vehicle traffic Jan. 5 until March 20.

The pedestrian and cyclist pathway across the bridge, which connects waterfront trails from Burlington to Hamilton's beach strip, will close even earlier on Dec. 28.

The lengthy closure is needed for major maintenance and upgrades" on the 60-year-old life bridge, according to an online update to constituents from Ward 5 Councillor Matt Francis.

The work is scheduled to coincide with the winter pause in the shipping season, meaning the bridge does not need to lift to allow vessels into the port in Hamilton harbour.

The HSR will detour the 11 Parkdale bus route, which normally crosses the bridge to get to Burlington.