It is estimated that repairs to the Ship Channel Bridge, located on Cherry Street will continue until mid-September. The Ship Channel Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic on November 12, 2012 to perform critical repairs and maintenance on the bridge and its approaches.
The bridge remains closed to vehicle and marine traffic to enable repairs. While this work has taken place, the bridge has remained available for pedestrian and cyclist use. The Toronto Port Authority regrets inconvenience caused by construction delays; however, the safe use of the bridge is our prime concern.
Repairs to the bridge, which was constructed in 1931, are a complex and intricate operation. Critical surveys, alignment and fitting of the moving elements are continuing to be conducted by engineers and contractors to ensure high standards of safety and compliance. The Toronto Port Authority will provide an update on progress and a commissioning schedule on August 20, 2013.
Once reopened, the Ship Channel Bridge will be available to single lane vehicle traffic, marine transit, pedestrians and cyclists. The Toronto Port Authority will provide traffic control lights for public safety while the bridge is limited to single lane traffic.
Toronto Port Authority is committed to providing safe and efficient access to the Portlands for all our stakeholders and the public at large. We continue to work with and assist the City to develop a long-term solution for appropriate vehicle accessibility to the south Portlands.
While the Ship Channel Bridge is closed, vehicles may access the south Portlands via the single-lane bridge on Unwin Avenue. Like the Ship Channel Bridge, the bridge on Unwin Avenue can accommodate vehicles up to 63.7 tonnes on five axles. Vehicles will be able to access Unwin Avenue via Leslie Street.
Questions
General Questions regarding the closure of the Ship Channel Bridge should be directed to Pamela McDonald, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at pmcdonald@torontoport.com or 416-863-2028.
Construction-related inquiries and comments should be directed to Eric Piitz, Port Engineer at epiitz@torontoport.com or 416 863-2043.
Shipping- and Port-related enquiries should be directed to Angus Armstrong, Harbour Master at aarmstrong@torontoport.com or 416-462-3304.