The federal government has awarded a contract worth more than $8.7 million to a Hamilton company for the replacement of the bridge deck on the LaSalle Causeway's bascule bridge in Kingston.

Landform Civil Infrastructures Inc. will replace the steel deck grating and supporting stringers, rehabilitate the deteriorated concrete on the counterweight, and strengthen the supporting steel truss components at the main trunnions.

The repairs and renovations will improve the condition and operation of the bridge. It is expected to extend the service life of the counterweight, trunnion and steel deck on the bridge by 15 years.

Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2023 and is expected to be completed by May 2025. To minimize disruptions, the work will take place during the off season when the bridge is traditionally closed to marine traffic.

On average, 23,000 vehicles cross the causeway daily. With its urban setting, the causeway also carries many cyclists and pedestrians.

The LaSalle Causeway connects the city of Kingston to its eastern suburbs. It consists of five interconnecting engineered structures: two wharfs and three bridges.

The west and east bridges are fixed, and are located at each end of the causeway; the bascule bridge spans the central channel.

The west wharf contains the site office and workshop for the bridge and the operator control station for the bascule bridge.