Work on Kingston’s Third Crossing bridge is now just short of three-quarters complete.

A report from the project team shows a number of milestones completed since the summer.

Crews have completed about 70 percent of the project work, with the focus now placed on the top of the bridge deck. Workers are laying concrete deck panels, laying reinforcing steel and pouring concrete deck. Beginning in the spring, the focus of the work will shift to completion of the roadway itself—laying reinforcing steel and concrete slabs as well as work to build out active transportation elements at the intersection of Highway 15 and Gore Road.

Additionally, the City of Kingston has made the final designs for connections to the Third Crossing bridge from the west shore of the Cataraqui River available for public review and comment. The designs include new and improved active transportation elements for all ages and abilities.

Designs for John Counter Boulevard between the bridge and Ascot Lane are being developed with an emphasis on promoting safety for pedestrians and cyclists, maintaining full access for emergency-service vehicles, and improving entrance and exit access for vehicles accessing commercial businesses located on south side of John Counter Boulevard.

Finally, the City of Kingston has begun the process of selecting a name for the bridge.

In July 2020, city council committed to naming the structure in a way that reflects and celebrates the stories and contributions of Indigenous communities in this region, both past and present.

The six shortlisted names draw on language used by the Ojibwe and Mohawk nations.

Once completed, the new 1.2 km bridge will connect the east and west sides of Kingston over the Cataraqui River. The two-lane bridge will improve emergency services, increase active transportation through a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway, create greater business connectivity and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Kingston.

The $180-million project is being delivered under an Integrated Project Delivery method, with Kiewet as the lead constructor. The project is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Kingston.

Featured image: Construction work on the main bridge span in August. (City of Kingston)