Construction Spotlight

Kingston’s Third Crossing Bridge

BY BRETT TODD Work is now well underway on a new bridge in Kingston known as the Third Crossing, a $180 million project that will join the LaSalle Causeway and the Highway 401 overpass as routes over the Cataraqui River.

When finished in 2022, this 1.2-kilometre two-lane bridge will span the river from Gore Road in the east end to John Counter Boulevard in the north end, dramatically changing the way in which motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike move around the city.

“The Third Crossing is a key part of Kingston’s vision to be a smart, livable and leading 21st century city,” said Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson. “It will provide a vital new connecting link for the city, and allow pedestrians and cyclists to explore the beauty of the Rideau Canal waterway in a whole new way.”

City officials have been contemplating an additional route for some 50 years because of issues with the narrow LaSalle Causeway, built in 1917. The new bridge checks off a number of important goals for municipal leaders, including improving business connectivity for commuters and visitors, enhancing access for emergency services, and adding a welcome new option for pedestrians and cyclists.

Local Impact

Economic benefits to the city and region are huge. By the end of July, $5 million had been awarded through 61 local contracts, craftspeople and staff had worked 60,000 hours already, and 20 people had moved to Kingston to work on the project.

Despite disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, construction is proceeding well and is about 25 per cent complete as of September.

“The project is still on target for bridge opening at the end of 2022. Steady work has been underway since the beginning of the year, with construction of the rock causeway and trestle bridge to provide temporary construction access across the river now completed,” said Project Manager Mark Van Buren.

“Having been deemed an essential worksite, the Third Crossing project continued during the emergency orders provided by the province. The impacts of COVID-19 have been minimal so far; however, the project team continues to remain vigilant.”

Work on permanent in-water

foundations is the current focus. Bauer Foundations Canada is leading the installation of 21 piers to support the bridge. Each pier extends to bedrock under the river, which in some cases is more than 50 metres deep. Pier caps are also being constructed this fall to directly support the concrete girders of the bridge itself, which will be installed in 2021.

Design Consultation

Bridge design has largely been completed. An announcement at Kingston City Hall showcased a new look that replaced earlier, more dramatic features like a pronounced archway. This sleeker model should better match the flow of the river and address concerns of Parks Canada, the federal agency that oversees the Cataraqui River as part of the historic Rideau Canal.

“The bridge design incorporates a steel main span with an under-arch profile that is centred over the navigation channel in the Cataraqui River,” added Van Buren. “This design has helped to achieve a light and low appearance of the bridge that fits in the surrounding natural landscape and also respects the UNESCO World Heritage designation of this area as part of the overall Rideau Canal system.”

With that said, the city is still consulting with residents and emergency services regarding features such as street design. Active transportation is a top priority, as the city is striving for a sustainable model

that works for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. A four-metre multi-use pathway on the south side will feature extended lookout areas.

Respecting Nature and History

The natural environment has also been a major focus of the project. Rigorous monitoring is addressing both the aquatic and terrestrial zones impacted by the construction. Van Buren reports that fencing has been installed to protect turtles, along with “five passages to allow wildlife to navigate upstream.”

As befits a project touching on the past, present and future of Kingston, the official name of the Third Crossing Bridge will take into account the area’s Indigenous history. Mayor Paterson announced this summer that the bridge will not only span a physical gap within the city, it will also connect to the city’s “Your Stories, Our History” public engagement promoting reconciliation and addressing recent concerns about the legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald.

“By choosing a name that reflects our local Indigenous history, our city is making a statement that we are an inclusive community,” said Paterson. “That we are fully committed to reconciliation, and ready to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Kingstonians and Canadians.”

$5M

awarded through

61

contracts to local businesses with

60,000+

hours worked so far and

20

people moved to Kingston to work on the project