The bridge was closed in August 2008 after an inspection by Public Works and Government Services Canada determined that it was no longer capable of supporting vehicles. The replacement of Lakeshore Road Swing Bridge 50 on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site represents Parks Canadaﾒs commitment to providing opportunities for visitors to appreciate and experience nationally significant places like the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Port Severn Swing Bridge 60 and Bolsover Swing Bridge 43 crossing the Trent-Severn Waterway remain closed to vehicle traffic pending the completion and installation of new replica bridges. The bridge at Port Severn, capable of supporting vehicles while closed, will remain in the open position only until the 2010 navigation season ends. At that time it will be swung closed to allow vehicle traffic to pass, and to allow the community to benefit from winter tourism. The project schedule will be aligned with the winter snowmobile season to facilitate this initiative.

Bolsover Swing Bridge 43 has reached the end of its lifespan and is not able to support vehicles.

It is anticipated that both Port Severn Swing Bridge 60 and Bolsover Swing Bridge 43 will be completed before the Trent-Severn Waterway navigation season opens in 2011.

Information:

Paul Wood
Chief Engineer and Asset Manager
Central Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
(705) 750-4900

The Trent-Severn Waterway is now fully operational, just in time for the long weekend, and just in time for the Tug Trent to travel once again. The colourful vessel left the Peterborough Marina this morning on its way to the community of Fenelon Falls for the Heritage Day 125 celebrations on Saturday, August 7.

Repair work is still underway at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site. To manage traffic and minimize stress on the Lift Lock, Lock 20 Ashburnham, Lock 21 Peterborough Lift Lock, and Lock 22 Nassau Mills will continue to perform lockages only when there is a full complement of boats, rather than lockage on demand (as per normal service).

Parks Canada staff are working hard to continue providing the opportunity for safe and exciting experiences on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

Increased difficulty opening and closing a gate valve has necessitated immediate maintenance. Replacement parts have been fabricated and are already on-site.

Parks Canada regrets the inconvenience to the public and wishes to stress that the safety and ongoing enjoyment of the Waterway are of paramount importance.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is currently open 8:30am to 7:00pm 7 days a week. For more information on the Trent-Severn Waterway please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/trent.

Roger Stanley
Acting Director of Canal Operations
Trent-Severn Waterway, Parks Canada
(705) 750-4900

Parks Canada staff is working diligently to complete the necessary repairs to Lock 21 Peterborough Lift Lock in a timely manner. However, until their completion Locks 20, 21 and 22 will only be running when there is a full complement of boats for the lockage, to minimize the stress on the Peterborough Lift Lock and to manage traffic.

Parks Canada is committed to public safety and regrets the inconvenience to Mariners. This repair will be resolved as quickly as possible. Further Information Bulletins will be issued if necessary.